Having worked in the Scottish licensed trade for many years, I've met and worked with some wonderful people throughout my career.

The licensed trade is full of characters and offers fantastic career and life opportunities. However, sometimes people from the industry can fall on hard times and that's where The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, also known as The BEN, comes into its own.

Established over 150 years ago, The BEN supports both former and current workers of the licensed trade who are facing hardship. Whether it’s social, financial or emotional support, The BEN helps anyone who has worked full-time in the Scottish licensed trade for at least three years. 

The charity can provide beneficiaries with discretionary financial support or one-off grants for emergency situations. Such examples, include support in covering utility and household bills, the provision of furnishings and injury rehabilitation equipment as well as supplying mobility and transport solutions among many others.

To help raise funds and awareness of this great cause, we've pulled together a team of cyclists from the licensed trade to cycle 80 miles from The BEN Pitlochry Estate to Milngavie, via Dunblane and Buchlyvie, on Tuesday 24 May 2016. Any donations would be much appreciated and we’d be delighted for any fellow cycling enthusiasts to join us so please get in touch if you're interested.

All funds raised by the ride will go towards The BEN’s range of services.

For more information on the cycle or to get involved as a rider or sponsor, please email theBEN@bigpartnership.co.uk.

More details about The BEN, its services and memberships can be found at www.bensoc.org.uk.