Punch Taverns’ customer services director, Francis Patton, was the guest of honour at the Licensed Trade Charity’s glittering annual ball.

Speaking to 350 leading licensed trade figures, he delivered an entertaining speech outlining the key challenges facing the industry in the present social and political climate.

“These are testing times for our industry and events like this play a key role in co-ordinating resources to ensure the continued development and prosperity of the licensed trade,” said Francis.

“Week in, week out, licensees around the country raise thousands of pounds for good causes, which is why it is crucial for us to support them through co-ordinated events such as this.”

With guests paying up to £200 per ticket, the Punch sponsored event – which was held at the London Marriott hotel, Grosvenor Square – raised a creditable £30,000 for the charity.

Maureen Batty, chairman of the appeals committee for the Licensed Trade Charity, said: “I would like to thank Punch for all their support over the last few years.  I was especially delighted that Francis was able to join us at a successful fundraising evening.”

The Licensed Trade Charity, based in Ascot, was launched in October last year following the merger of the Society of Licensed Victuallers and The Licensed Victuallers National Homes.

It provides vital support to those involved in the licensed trade including licensees, management, wholesalers, breweries, off licenses and pubs and retailers.

Each year over £1 million is handed out to beneficiaries.  Projects include a welfare helpline, debt counselling, convalescence grants, disabled aids and bursaries for children of the trade to attend one of the schools in Ascot, Reading or Ilkley.  A key theme for the care is helping people maintain independence. 

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