Licensees laud Pub is the Hub scheme

A large majority of licensees would recommend a Pub is the Hub scheme to other pubs, because it can benefit the wider community, while also diversifying and providing benefits to the business.

This was one of the findings from a new survey conducted on the not-for-profit organisation, which was initiated by Prince Charles in 2001 to retain and support rural pubs.

Independent research group Ecorys surveyed 71 pubs delivering a Pub is the Hub scheme, in addition to 100 people that live near six existing schemes.

The findings of the report — entitled Pub is the Hub: Evaluating the Impact of Initiatives 2011 — identified that the schemes bring clear social, economic and environmental benefits.

All respondents agreed their local Pub is the Hub scheme is either "very important" or "important" to the community.

More than 80% of those surveyed said the initiative had improved access to a key service and that the schemes have made the area in which they live more attractive.

In most circumstances, the schemes have recruited additional employees in pubs, and virtually all respondents believe local businesses benefit from

the initiative.

In terms of the economic advantages for the pubs, the majority of schemes either break even or generate a small profit for the licensee, and around half of the publicans stated that their customer numbers had increased as a result of the Pub is the Hub initiative.

John Longden, chief executive of Pub is the Hub, said: "We now have hard evidence of how good pub schemes can provide wider strategic objectives at a local and national level."

Prince Charles said: "This report shows rural pubs can bolster a rural economy, provide local jobs for local people, increase the sense of wellbeing in the area, and, ultimately, preserve the heart and soul of Britain's rural communities."