17-Jun-2011
Morning Advertiser - Licensees laud Pub is the Hub scheme
A large majority of licensees would recommend a Pub is the Hub scheme to other pubs, because it can benefit the wider community, while also diversifying and providing benefits to the business.
This was one of the findings from a new survey conducted on the not-for-profit organisation, which was initiated by Prince Charles in 2001 to retain and support rural pubs.
Independent research group Ecorys surveyed 71 pubs delivering a Pub is the Hub scheme, in addition to 100 people that live near six existing schemes.
The findings of the report — entitled Pub is the Hub: Evaluating the Impact of Initiatives 2011 — identified that the schemes bring clear social, economic and environmental benefits.
All respondents agreed their local Pub is the Hub scheme is either “very important” or “important” to the community.
More than 80% of those surveyed said the initiative had improved access to a key service and that the schemes have made the area in which they live more attractive.
In most circumstances, the schemes have recruited additional employees in pubs, and virtually all respondents believe local businesses benefit from
the initiative.
In terms of the economic advantages for the pubs, the majority of schemes either break even or generate a small profit for the licensee, and around half of the publicans stated that their customer numbers had increased as a result of the Pub is the Hub initiative.
John Longden, chief executive of Pub is the Hub, said: “We now have hard evidence of how good pub schemes can provide wider strategic objectives at a local and national level.”
Prince Charles said: “This report shows rural pubs can bolster a rural economy, provide local jobs for local people, increase the sense of wellbeing in the area, and, ultimately, preserve the heart and soul of Britain’s rural communities.”
In the News
23-Mar-2012
Pub is The Hub Announces £1.3m Local Services Initiative for Welsh Pubs
Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes announced yesterday a £1.3m package of support for local services in rural pubs in Wales through a joint co-operation initiative between Pub is The Hub and Cadwyn Clwyd (the Regional Development Agency for Denbighshire and Flintshire).
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06-Mar-2012
Off to a great start in Lincolnshire
Seventeen pubs expressed their interest in diversification schemes at the Lincolnshire launch of Local Community Services Champions this week.
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25-Jan-2012
Free computer skills training in pubs
Pub is The Hub has joined forces with Lancashire County Council in their Local Community Services Champions initiative to provide free computer classes to absolute beginners.
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