Workload doubles at Pub is the Hub

The organisation is currently working on 40 separate pub aid schemes besides advising as many as 81 different communities interested in taking over their local to save it from closure.

The bulk of the organisation’s caseload work involves advising licensees who want to diversify their businesses into new revenue streams such as shops and other community services.

Pub is the Hub chief executive John Longden pointed out that enquiries from struggling licensees were being made in ever-increasing numbers.

“Basically we are dealing with a workload that has doubled in just 12 months,” Longden said.

“More licensees are becoming aware of the help we can provide as they in-vestigate ways of boosting their business.

“Its a reflection of how country-based pubs and others in small communities are struggling in the depressed rural economy,” he added.

But Longden also urged licensees to seek help from their local authorities and find out what support they are able to offer.

“Local authorities are becoming increasingly keen to support pubs because they are keenly aware of what they can offer their local community as other local services close.

“They are mindful of the publicity surrounding the UK pub closure rate and want to keep these pubs open if at all possible,” he said.

Longden revealed Pub is the Hub needs £160,000 per year to operate its work through satellite hubs in seven regions across the UK, manned by volunteers and former trade personnel.

Funding is provided by donations from brewers, pub companies and other organisations with an interest in the rural economy.