Ei Group plc, the UK’s largest pub company, has reinforced its support for Pub is The Hub by donating a further £25,000 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 £3,000 as well as advice and hands-on support are available to help pubs provide new local services.
Simon Townsend, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
The largely voluntary organisation is run without any guaranteed long-term funding and relies upon annual donations from the hospitality and rural services sectors as well as grant funding from national and local government, the Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Big Lottery. All of the advisors are part-time and the organisation exists on goodwill and support from a wide variety of sources.
The photograph above shows Simon Theakston, Chairman of Pub is The Hub with John Longden and Simon Townsend.