East of England
Pub is the Hub Adviser - Terry Stork
Pub is the Hub has been working in the East of England for over 6 years and grant programmes are available to support the development of pub-based community facilities in the following areas:
The East of England Development Agency has announced a new initiative called Open for Business, to provide support for rural pubs in the East of England. This is an initiative from Business Link to support rural pubs to help ensure that they remain strong, profitable businesses with sustainable long-term futures. There are free business workshops and funding worth up to £500 for licensees who act quickly. Open for Business is packed with hints, tips and tried and tested ideas, and is available to pubs throughout the East of England. Publicans are encouraged to consider new ways of working, including diversification into services such as adding a shop, and support and advice is available from Pub is the Hub advisers.
Suffolk
The Suffolk Rural Economy Scheme provides support to viable pubs across rural Suffolk. The Retail Support Programme provides small one-off revenue and capital grants to pubs in rural areas to support the development of shop facilities that will have sustainable economic community benefits. The scheme will pay for the service of a Pub is the Hub advisor and a retail advisor, to visit the premises, and help guide the licensee through the application process. The scheme will provide grants of up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, to a maximum of £5,000. For further information, please contact Yvonne Moores on 01473 260793 or email: yvonne.moores@suffolkcc.gov.uk
Essex
Essex County Council has confirmed Pub is the Hub project funding to end of March 2010, with the expectation that further funds will be made available for subsequent years. Rural issues are being given high focus in the county (Essex Rural Commission) and Pub is the Hub is seen as an integral part of supporting rural services. Pub is the Hub is working with Essex County Council and the Rural Community Council for Essex (RCCE) to identify potential schemes within the county. Four essential services have been identified as a priority for provision: Post Office, General Store, Cash Machine and Pay Point. The target is for all parishes to have at least 3 out of 4 services. At present around 70 parishes do not meet these criteria and there are 39 pubs in those parishes. Pub is the Hub has carried out a survey of these pubs, funded by RCCE, to identify which may be capable of providing services. Essex CC will then fund projects and RCCE may make further funds available. Pub is the Hub will provide an advisory/project management role on any agreed schemes