BREWING giant Heineken, which owns 31 Merseyside pubs, is launching a finance scheme to help cash-strapped would-be publicans.

The company has created a three-year agreement offering a low-cost entry (starting at £10,000 including deposit) and the ability for a publican to terminate their agreement with three months notice without penalty or reason at any time.

Heineken also announced the launch of a first year support package of extra financial backing to encourage entrepreneurs to take on pubs which, though not currently trading to their full potential, are good pubs where there is the opportunity to significantly increase business.

The package helps with cash flow by paying for overheads such as rates, giving publicans time to establish themselves and build up custom.

The agreement also rewards success with cash bonuses of up to £5,000 paid for high quality standards scores in mystery shopper visits.

Lawson Mountstevens, UK Sales managing director, On Trade, at Heineken, said: “Heineken is passionately committed to the future of the great British pub and we have big ambitions in terms of investing in pubs.

“We are focused on creating an estate of quality pubs which offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to take on pub businesses which are sustainable for the long term.

“Encouraging healthy small businesses is key to the success of the UK economy.”