Punch Pubs & Co has launched research revealing that the average pub contributes up to £1.3m in economic and social value to its local community.
The work has been compiled in partnership with Northumbria University, Newcastle, and supported by celebrity ambassador, Sara Cox (pictured).
The Public’s House: The True Economic & Social Value of Pubs showcases the real value of pubs, looking beyond just their economic output, to the unique contribution that pubs make to society.
The research highlights how pubs provide vital social infrastructure, enhance wellbeing, tackle loneliness, strengthen local identities, foster everyday connections, and generate millions in charitable contributions.
The insight reveals that the Punch Pubs estate delivers £1.7bn in total economic and social value to the UK economy each year.
The entire pub sector contributes at least £142m in social value per annum, based on each Punch pub generating an estimated £3,200 every year in charitable contributions via sponsorship, advertising support to local community groups, and providing use of venue space.
However, the figure is a conservative one, as many of the community contributions made by pubs are, quite simply, priceless.
The report provides deep insight into why pubs are so important to UK culture and communities. The more embedded a pub is in its local community, the more social value it can deliver. And the evidence suggests that this has a positive effect on turnover, too.
As part of the report, the Community Engagement Index was created. This framework brings together information on a wide range of community activities, such as hosting community events, supporting charities, and working with local organisations.
“Hospitality is an incredible industry to be a part of, and what continues to inspire me is the extraordinary creativity and adaptability I see demonstrated every day,” said Punch chief executive Andy Spencer.
“It’s no secret that, in common with many other industries, the operating environment is currently challenging, but publicans are responding with innovation and a real commitment to their communities.”
Sara Cox, Radio 2 DJ, presenter, and author, added: “I’m hugely passionate about pubs. My Mum ran The Pineapple Pub in Bolton while I was growing up, so pub culture has been a big part of my life. Pubs, for me, are a place where brilliant memories are made and friendships for life are formed.
“This research is a powerful reminder of just how much pubs matter, yet more than one pub a day closes, and we lost 366 of them last year alone. That a pub provides local jobs and supports local farmers, butchers and bakers is evident, but this research also illustrates what the pub means for ordinary folk up and down the country.”
