Star Pubs reports 10% rise in January applicants despite sector pressures

Star Pubs has reported a 10% year-on-year increase in applicant levels for January 2026, noting a significant shift in how prospective publicans conduct due diligence. 

According to the firm, nearly 60% of applicants now find opportunities via digital channels, a 15% increase in online discovery over the last three years.

The data suggested that entrants to the leased and tenanted (L&T) sector are undertaking more protracted research into trade financials before committing to a site. 

To accommodate this trend, Star Pubs has revised its introductory training for 2026, moving business plan creation to an earlier stage in the recruitment process to assist applicants before they consult accountants.

To support the talent pipeline, the company has compressed its five-day induction course into three days and reduced the cost by 70%, from £1,000 to £300 (ex VAT). 

Non-essential start-up topics have been moved to a new online portal, while the face-to-face sessions now prioritise managing rising operational costs, such as staffing and utilities.

The company will hold 10 free virtual events in 2026 hosted by an operations director to explain the L&T model and will introduce drone footage to its site vacancy listings to enhance online due diligence.

Hance McPherson, head of attraction at Star Pubs, said: “The economic uncertainty of the last few years hasn’t dented enthusiasm for running a pub, but combined with the move to seek knowledge online, has profoundly changed the way would-be licensees research taking on a pub.

“There’s a huge thirst for knowledge – people are doing their due diligence really thoroughly and they’re increasingly doing that online. Nearly 60% of applicants now find their pubs through our website and social media.”

He added: “Bringing business planning to the forefront of our introductory training enables recruits to engage confidently and knowledgeably with their accountants, which proved very popular in trials.”