Half Year Update from our CEO, Nicky Burston

In this message, Nicky reflects on the key milestones we’ve achieved over the past six months and shares insights into what’s ahead for the second half of the year.

The primary objective that the team set for 2025 was, quite simply, to be able to meet demand. In 2024, The Drinks Trust unfortunately had to stay closed for financial applications for 56% of the time due to increased demand and limited budgets. In 2025 we have experienced an even greater demand as a result of current economic conditions but we are pleased to report that we have been able to keep applications live for 72% of the time and we are currently open permanently for applications for financial support, thanks to the very generous support of our donors and the tireless work of our Welfare Manger who ensures that every case is dealt with confidentially and with empathy and respect.  The amount spent on one-off grants so far this year has almost doubled from £58,895 last year to £112,757, and overall, across our financial and wellbeing services, we have already supported almost 2000 people, with an additional 3000 employees supported through our business advisory programme. 

The team are looking beyond financial support for individuals to help them lift themselves out of hardship for the long term and this includes implementation of a beneficiary resource & signposting platform, and a broader activation of our DEVELOP Programme which empowers young drinks industry professionals to improve their career prospects and inspiring them to remain in remain in the industry. So far this year, the Develop Programme has received the greatest number of bursary applications in its three years, and has increased the number of sponsoring partners for course provisions.

Returning partners, IWSC, delivered an exclusive behind-the-scenes Associate Judge experience exclusively for eight The Drinks Trust students and additional funding has been secured for four brand new trainings in three new subject specialisms. 

We believe the reason for this success is that The Drinks Trust has reached the heart of the industry, and our clear messaging is resonating with partners. The team, who are working really hard to meet the growing demand for help, are heartened by the support our business partners are showing us. 

This is undoubtedly an extremely difficult year for trading conditions for industry businesses, and we are very conscious that our obligation to partners is always first and foremost to support their teams and customers, before we discuss fundraising.  

We have been extremely pleased though to report that all but 4 businesses have been able to renew their support this year but not only that, 7 partners have significantly increased their support, and 6 organisations have returned to support The Drinks Trust after a period of some years. As a result, income from business partners is showing a £25k increase on last year and is tracking just shy of our ambitious budget. 

In January 2025, The Drinks Trust launched our £1m campaign, Face It Together. Based on the knowledge that one in 5 adults of working age would face hardship in 2025, the campaign was not only a fundraising mechanism but also served as a rallying cry, asking our industry friends to pull together to help us to protect and support colleagues in need. 

The campaign has been hugely successful so far. Face It Together has drawn together the community in a the belief that no contribution is too small and we would like to acknowledge a wide range of supporters that have come forward, including an employee of Ellis Wines who donated a double magnum of rioja, to the incredible Ali Mann, who was inspired to create “Walk It Together”, the Thames Path Challenge walk that is scheduled for September this year. We would also like to acknowledge the businesses that have supported us with raffles, staff sales, and team-building fundraising, such as Mentzendorff, Gallo, and Sainsbury's, as well as the team from 67 Pall Mall, who plan to run the Medoc Marathon on our behalf. Face It Together won a commendation for “Best Trade Campaign” in the Drinks Business Awards, and I would like to acknowledge the creativity and commitment of our marketing team, who pulled this campaign together in a short timeframe and on a very limited budget.

The team also decided to return to a gala format for our annual fundraising dinner, which is due to be held this year at Claridge’s on 6th October. The response has been astonishing, the event is already sold out, and we are grateful to our main event sponsor, Hillebrand GORI. We must also highlight a special thank you to the team at Invivo and to Graham Norton, who will be lending his celebrity status with philanthropic grace to what promises to be an incredible night of celebration and fundraising. 

Our goals for 2025 remain to improve the consistency of our messaging, to increase our reach with businesses and individuals in the industry and, quite simply, to meet demand.  Partners can help us by spreading word about our services, or donating money, raffle or auction prizes to help with our fundraising efforts. 

I would like to share with you a testimonial from one of the recipients of support from The Drinks Trust: 

"I have worked in the drinks industry most of my life, until I fell into very hard times when the business i worked for closed. At the same time my marriage of 15yrs had ended, I was left in lots of debt and an empty home apart from a mattress to sleep on, due to my ex removing everything one day while I was in hospital having major surgery. I came home from hospital to an empty home and my marriage over. The next few days the debts and notices even bailiffs started to arrive. I had no idea my partner wasn't paying his share or using the money that i was giving him to pay for things. I was close to losing my home due to arrears.  I was at rock bottom, suicidal and felt completely alone. 

I couldn't see any way out of it, then a friend and former work colleague mentioned the drinks trust and I contacted them right away. 

The Drinks Trust stepped in I was given so much help and support I cried. Finally, I was getting real help, help with debts, white goods, and with my mental health, support in ways i never imagined. While the challenges didn't disappear overnight, the drinks trust stepped in and helped with my rent arrears giving me breathing room to focus on other things that eventually turned my life around.  Without the drinks trust, I seriously doubt I would be where I am today. I'm able to buy clothing for myself, which I couldn’t before, I have a home and have returned to work.  Most importantly, The Drinks Trust gave me hope when I felt there was none. I am forever grateful." 

I would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of myself and our team, who work extremely hard to help colleagues in need and who appreciate all the support we receive, from businesses who donate or fundraise for us, to individuals who rally colleagues to come together in support.  A huge thank you as well to Trustees who give their time and energy to help steer the charity to success and to our patrons, who lend their voice to help those less fortunate.  We could not continue our work without you, and we thank you all.    

 

The Drinks Trust CEO