Pub is The Hub secures £440,000 from government

Rural pubs across the UK will benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for local communities.

Following a survey from non-profit Pub is The Hub, more than 40 venues were highlighted to government as pub projects currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding.

In response, the Department for Business and Trade has committed £440,000 to help Pub is The Hub deliver these projects. 

They will include creating community cafes, village stores and play areas. 

"Publicans with their individual pub businesses have a vital social role in supporting local communities and helping people to overcome social isolation and alleviate feelings of loneliness," says John Longden OBE and CEO of Pub is The Hub (pictured middle). "They have a significant social value that is beyond economic impact. They are crucial in helping to bring people together and inspiring the provision of lost services and amenities."  

Takes money to make money

New research by Pub is The Hub shows that for every £1 invested in the provision of new services or activities, there is a return in social value of over £8. 

So far, the organisation has supported hundreds of diversification projects and aims to help 1,000 more pubs over the next three years, creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 services for over 1m residents.

To mark the launch of the funding, Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection, met with Longden, Tonia Antoniazzi MP and Molly Davis from the British Institute of Innkeeping, to discuss the positive impact funding will have.

"We are pleased to be long-term supporters of Pub Is The Hub, which works so hard to help pubs with practical advice in extending their community services," adds Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce.

"No one can underestimate the huge social and economic value of pubs. Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink – they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness. 

"Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities." 

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