Getting the name across

This year the LTC, in tandem with LVAs, is set on raising its profile to make new and existing members aware of all the help it can offer One of the...

This year the LTC, in tandem with LVAs, is set on raising its profile to make new and existing members aware of all the help it can offer

One of the aims of the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) this year is to ensure that all of the relevant organisations and individuals within the licensed drinks sector are aware of the charity and its work.

Director of charity & marketing services Liz Gaffer says: "We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to assistance knows there is an organisation that can help in times of need - the Licensed Trade Charity.

"A key area for us is reaching across the UK and forging relationships where both parties benefit. Organisations such as the individual licensed victuallers' associations play a vital role within our sector and we are keen to work alongside them and help wherever we can."

With that in mind, the LTC has launched a campaign to make sure that every LVA is aware of the its work and the help it can provide in times of need.

The organisation is committed to meeting up with LVAs across the country and would be willing to attend meetings in order to explain more about the support it can provide.

The LTC produces leaflets and a video detailing how it can help, as well as sending out regular newsletters to keep people updated on its work. If you are a member of an LVA and interested in knowing more about the charity, a representative would be more than happy to meet you and your fellow members.

One LVA that took up the offer was the Norwich & Norfolk LVA (NNLVA).

Liz Gaffer says: "We've developed a close link with NNLVA through Thelma Brown, a member of the charity's Essex & East Anglia Fundraising Committee. The NNLVA arranges fantastic events, not only for fundraising purposes, but also to offer the most up-to-date information and advice to their members.

"Both the LTC and the NNLVA have the joint aim of reaching younger people across the trade and hopefully, by working together, we can achieve this."

Norwich & Norfolk LVA is one of the longest serving LVAs in the UK and has over 1,000 members. The NNLVA has just chosen the LTC as its nominated charity, and all of their hard- won fundraising achievements will be to the LTC's benefit.

Reaching a new audience

Craig McLaren, chairman of the NNLVA said: "The licensed retail sector is a great industry to work in, but as with most businesses, there is a great deal of information and legislation to take on board, and this is where we hope to make it easier for those joining the industry."

The NNLVA's aim for 2007 is to familiarise younger people coming into the licensed trade with the very real benefits the NNLVA can offer them.

McLaren said: "Through innovative events such as a local industry awards programme - a summer event where local and national suppliers will have the opportunity to promote products and local bands will get a chance to wow the audience - we hope to attract a younger audience and signpost them towards organisations such as the LTC that can guide them through the whole of their careers."

The NNLVA has raised more than £50,000 over the last 10 years for local good causes and numerous charities.

Now, by nominating the LTC as its chosen charity, it hopes to raise awareness of the work of the LTC, and continue organising fund-

raising events to help colleagues who call on the charity in times of need.

If you are a member of an LVA and would like the LTC to visit your association, or you are interested in receiving a free video on the support available, please contact Kelly Gibson on 01344 884 440.

Keep in touch

Have you let us know your change of address? To make sure that you receive all the latest updates on what the LCT has been up to and if you were a member of the SLV (Society of Licensed Victuallers), the LVNH (Licensed Victuallers' National Homes) or the LTCH (Licensed Trade Convalescent Home) or you'd like to receive information on the LTC, please call Linda Huntley on 01344 884440 or email membership@licensedtradecharity.org.uk

Please let us know:

l Your current address and postcode

l Your phone number

l Name of your spouse (if applicable)

l Name(s) of the pub/bar/brewery you have worked in

The LTC box of facts

So numbers are your thing? Well, take a look at some numbers that really count:

£1 million

The Licensed Trade Charity's fundraising target that will be needed to cover grants and assistance in 2007

£1.09

Donation needed by each person in the sector to reach the LTC's target for 2007

The age of the eldest person assisted by the LTC in 2006