Thwaites, the Lancashire brewer and pub operator, has announced plans to improve the on-line presence of its pubs and introduce a new mystery visitor programme.
Pubs Online, which launches in July, will provide all pubs with a free online presence, allowing customers to easily view the facilities on offer.
Thwaites said pubs can then use a dedicated website development service, with hosting and maintenance managed by an expert internal team. Thwaites will offer to provide this dedicated URL and SEO package to all tenanted and leased pubs at for a “minimal cost” in its first year of operation, with entry costs starting at £5 per week.
The INNcognito scheme, which also launches in July, encourages pub customers to report back on their visits to Thwaites pubs via an online questionnaire. They will be asked to rate the service, their drinks and where applicable, the food.
All pubs will receive two mystery visits per year, provided by Thwaites for free; additional visits can be purchased at cost.
Meanwhile, Thwaites said its TULIP (Thwaites Unique Licensee Introduction Programme) training course for new licensees has also had a significant overhaul to reflect the wide range of new services available to pub managers and tenants.
The company said it would run its own Cask Ale Festivals throughout the remainder of the year after a successful trial at Easter. And it is offering tenants 30% off their Sky TV deal in conjunction with Molson Coors and Sky.
Andrew Buchanan, director of pub operations at Thwaites, said: “Thwaites continues to invest significant levels in its pub estate and provide as much support and expertise to ensure each business is a success. We are providing maximum support to our tenanted customers to ensure that they have the necessary toolkit and skills in place plus all the material they need to provide guests in Thwaites pubs with a varied range of quality products and services, activities and entertainment.
“Along with these tools that our customers can access and use in the day to day running of their business, we have fully reviewed our current ways of working. Our focus is on driving the quality agenda with our tenants and ultimately, their business profitability.”
