Licensed Trade Charity launches
The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) enjoyed its official launch today, announcing it will offer support to more than 1.6 million workers in the licensed trade.
The charity has been formed through a merger of the Society of Licensed Victuallers (SLV) and Licensed Victuallers National Homes (LVNH), in a bid to offer the trade a unified voice.
The launch of the charity took place on The Naticia boat on the Thames in London and enjoyed overwhelming support from the industry.
Colin Wheeler, chief executive of the LTC, said: "I have believed for some time that there should be one charity for the licensed drinks trade, that day has now arrived.
"The LTC can look after people within the trade throughout their lives from educating their children through to helping them in times of need whatever their age. This is an exciting and momentous occasion and I hope that the trade gets behind us."
The charity will operate under the SLV Royal Charter, which was awarded in 1836 and will make grants of over £1 million every year to its beneficiaries, ranging from bursaries, regular allowances, convalescence breaks and mobility aids.
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers was at the launch and said: "In a culture of 'help yourself' we as an industry have a duty to look after our own. By joining together the two charities to one the industry has established a much stronger footing and created a chance to do that.
"I have high praise for our members who are very generous, as are the general public today. The LTC will be able to benefit from this."
Although unable to attend the launch due to other commitments the Richard Caborn MP added: "The SLV and the LVNH provide an invaluable service to those working in the licensed trade and I warmly welcome the creation of the new organisation to continue and build on their work."
As a membership organisation the LTC also has a range of business benefits available to its members, as well as a linked membership arrangement with the British Institute of Innkeeping.
One of the companies supporting the charity is Complete Licensed Trade Solutions Ltd. Nick Buckland, director said: "We are delighted to be associated with the LTC and have been very impressed with the level of assistance offered and the care shown to their members. If we can in any way enhance that support then licensees can only benefit."
