Ei Group plc, the UK's largest pub company, has reinforced its support for Pub is The Hub by donating a further £25k to the rural pubs champion.
The donation supports the Community Services Fund, set up by Pub is The Hub in 2013 as a fund of last resort for rural pubs who want to diversify their business. Grants of up to £3k as well as advice and hands-on support are available to help pubs provide new local services.
The latest contribution takes the total amount donated by Ei Group plc to Pub is The Hub to £220k over the past 12 years.
Pub is The Hub has worked with a number of Ei Publican Partnerships licensees, such as Chris and Liz Shore at The Bell in the small rural village of Wortwell in South Norfolk. The village has a population of 600 and lacks any amenities other than the pub. Chris and Liz took over the running of pub in September 2014, and immediately made a considerable difference, involving the village and the wider community in many varied pub activities.
Having asked their customers and canvassed residents, they found an overwhelming demand for a village shop. Working with a Pub is The Hub advisor they decided to change the pub's under-used pool room into a shop and café area with wheelchair access. The new amenities have proved to be a big success, providing a friendly local service to the village and making it easier for those who find it difficult to travel. The shop uses local suppliers wherever possible, offering fresh fruit and vegetables and locally sourced meat, thereby helping the local economy.
Simon Townsend, CEO at Ei Group plc, said, 'We are proud to be a founding supporter of Pub is The Hub which recognises the vitally important role pubs play in communities across the UK. Having backed such an important initiative since 2005, this latest donation means our total contribution to Pub is The Hub now stands at £220,000. We hope this can be used to fund future projects that will help make pubs the centre of their local communities.'
John Longden, Chief Executive at Pub is The Hub, added, 'This long-term commitment from an industry partner is vital to maintain the increasing level of activity for our organisation and we are enormously grateful to Ei Group plc for their belief in our objectives.
'Slowly but surely service providers are beginning to realise the value of pubs is much more than the provision of food, drink and entertainment and that they are critical in enhancing essential public services, local activities and community wellbeing.'