Burton-based pub company Punch has donated £25k to the rural pubs champions, Pub is The Hub for the sixth year running.
Their donation helps to support the core cost of running the not-for-profit organisation which, in turn, has supported hundreds of pub licensees and communities in diversifying their businesses since its inception in 2001 by HRH The Prince of Wales. This includes providing advice, hands-on support and, where appropriate, some funding in getting their project off the ground.
The largely voluntary organisation 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 Fund. All advisors are part-time and the organisation exists on the good-will and support from a wide variety of sources.
John Longden, Chief Executive for Pub is The Hub said: “We are enormously grateful to Punch for its generous support over the last six years. We spend a great deal of time fund-raising to support our pub projects so unequivocal support over time like this is a huge help to us.”
Pub is The Hub has worked with many Punch licensees such as The Star Inn at Vogue in Cornwall that runs a micro library and hairdresser; The Miners Arms at Mithian in Cornwall, where they opened a shop selling convenience items and locally made produce; and the King’s Arms in Stainton in Cumbria where they added a Post Office to their services.
Neil Griffiths, Chief Strategy Officer from Punch Taverns added: “Resources such as post offices, local shops and libraries are such valuable community assets and very much missed if they happen to close down. I am delighted, therefore, that through our continued support of Pub is the Hub, pubs are able to fill that void and become the heartbeat of their communities. Venues such as Star, the Miner’s Arms and the King’s Arms demonstrate the great potential of pubs to offer more.
“We are delighted to have been a supporter of Pub is the Hub for six years and look forward to providing continued support nationwide, particularly in Scotland as they launch their rural services initiative there in the New Year.”
Anyone who wishes to donate funding to Pub is The Hub can contact the office on 01423 546165.