From starting my placement with Mitchells and Butlers in July 2007 knowing virtually nothing of how the pub industry operated from the laws that govern the industry to the set procedure that ensure operations of outlets are safe, secure and profitable. With the help of some experienced mentors through the year I have gained a good grounding of all aspects of the pub industry. Starting with the people skills that I already possessed I was able to connect with staff, managers and the general public that frequented the outlets that I worked in to generate an atmosphere that is welcoming and inviting to everyone that enables a business to be profitable and sustainable.
From my placement I am now competent in cellar management including stock control preparation of stocks for sale, stock rotation and the preparation for sale including storage of real ale. Cash management has also become a strong area of competence as Mitchells and Butlers monitor cash movement in and out of the business on a day to day basis. Cash checks are completed within all M&B outlets every day to ensure money is monitored and to narrow down possible avenues of where money could have been misplaced or been removed from the business. Being able to control cash and stock are the two most important back of house skills that I need to possess in order to keep control.
Front of house (customer facing) require different qualities in order to keep control. The main quality or qualities is a good level of people skills with staff and guests and high levels of visibility through the outlet. By ensuring your seen keeps control especially in alcohol fuelled situations (this would be in busy periods such as Friday and Saturday nights. Conflict management is another skill that I have had to ...