The Drinks Trust, the drinks hospitality industry charity, has launched a new campaign, Face It Together, with the goal of raising £1m to continue helping those in need.
The drinks hospitality industry has long been a vital part of our culture and economy, playing a key role in shaping social traditions, building community connections, and contributing significantly to the economy. However, rising cost pressures continue to challenge the sector.
This year, businesses will face further tough decisions to reduce expenses. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts a decline in employment levels, and a recent survey by the BII reveals that one in four pubs anticipate having to close their doors.
This, in turn, will have a devasting impact on the people who work in the industry, whose financial resilience has already been eroded as a result of tough economic times in recent years following the ripple effect of Covid, rising energy and housing bills, and the current cost of living crisis that is still biting hard.
According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 22% of working-age adults will experience poverty this year. To put that into context, that means that potentially one in five could face financial crisis in 2025.
Face It Together serves as a call to action, reminding industry professionals that hardship can affect anyone, regardless of their role or experience.
Through this campaign, The Drinks Trust aims to rally support, raise vital funds, and provide essential assistance to those most in need across the sector.
“We are all proud to be part of such a phenomenal group of people, for we know that the true strength of our industry lies in our ability to pull together,” said Nicky Burston, chief executive of The Drinks Trust.
“The combined power of our efforts is our unique alchemy that transforms each individual contribution into our collective force for widespread good. Let us stand together, as we have done since 1886, to answer our biggest challenge yet.
“We want to support our colleagues in their time of need with financial assistance and emotional wellbeing, and inspire them with learning so that we can help them stay and thrive in the industry we all love.”
To find out more how your businesses and their employees can become part of the campaign, visit faceittogether.org.uk or email Anton Lovatt, partnership development manager. at anton@drinkstrust.org.uk.
