To ensure you pay the right rent, the right premium and have the correct business plan, professional advice should be taken.
Don't rely on unaudited figures.
Do ask for VAT returns
Do ask for Bru Lines information (if available)
Do review this Due Diligence document click here for pdf
This will ensure you get no nasty suprises and keep on top of costs and Gross Profit margins.
Most failures result from cashflow problems relating specifically to cost control.
Pretty self explanatory and relates directly to cost control - most businesses have cycles and you need to ensure your keep cash available from the good days to support you during January February and March.
Standards are what stand you apart from your competition. Ensure you are professional in every way, the days of standing the wrong side of the bar with friends are numbered if you want to drink with your friends do it in another pub! And ensure your pub is CLEAN!
Ensure you provide what your customers want, and listen to them. Keep trying new ideas to develop and drive business, talk to others in the trade and visit competitors.
Your most important assets are your staff. Keep them motivated by competition, rewards, personal development, exams, promotion. They are the face of your business and have to breathe your ethos and feel valued to ensure peak performance.