Parcel delivery is part of new pub support package

A new initiative that stemmed from a Dragons' Den style competition means people can now have parcels delivered to their local pub.

Last year Scottish & Newcastle UK (S&N UK) asked members of staff to come up with business ideas to help the pub trade which culminated with the launch of a new business.

After months of competition, S&N UK manager Stuart Mills successfuly pitched his idea for the website www.useyourlocal.com​.

It is designed to help pubs promote themselves and to get customers through their doors.

One of the services it offers to registered pubs is enabling locals to have their parcels delivered there instead of having to pick up packages from Post Offices.

The aim is when they go to pick up the parcel they will also stay and spend money at the pub.

Mills, who is now working full time on the S&N backed venture, said: "With the Royal Mail alone making around 40 million unsuccessful first time deliveries a year, this is a very real problem and an incredible waste of time, effort and money for everyone.

"Most people regard a visit to their local pub as infinitely more appealing than the prospect of joining the queue at their 'not-so-local' sorting office on a wet Saturday morning and hopefully the trip will help people rediscover the delights of the great British pub."

As well as being a parcel pick up point, pubs registered to useyourlocal.com also get their own website, point-of-sale material and help with marketing.

And the idea is that pubs from across the country will sign up.

Stuart added: "The idea is that all pubs can register for this. At the moment 50 per cent of pubs still don't have their own website and that just isn't good enough."

It will cost pubs £50 a year plus VAT to register. For more information visit www.useyourlocal.com​