Opening a Store: Track Landlord and Authority Approvals

A store manager does not need to interpret building rules or make a legal determination. The manager does need to know which approval questions could affect planned work, access, systems or the opening date, and whether the accountable owner has confirmed them.

Ask the project lead to identify the relevant landlord, property, company and local authority approval streams for this specific site. The right list depends on the location, lease, fit-out scope and local requirements. Use the approved project and specialist guidance rather than copying a list from another store.

For each item, capture who is responsible for confirming it, when information must be submitted, the expected decision date and what evidence will close it. Record dependencies, such as work that cannot proceed until an authorized owner confirms a requirement. If status is unclear, keep it open and ask for a named owner and next update.

Separate submission from approval. A form sent or a conversation held does not confirm that the decision is complete. Ask the accountable owner what written evidence, conditions or follow-up the store team must understand, and where the current record lives.

If a date is missed or conditions change, update the project lead and follow the agreed escalation route. Do not tell contractors or colleagues to proceed on an assumption, and do not sign off technical or regulated work outside your role. The store manager tracks store readiness; qualified and authorized owners confirm their own approvals.