Beer’s big boost to the economy

EAST Runcorn MP Graham Evans has reiterated his support for breweries and pubs after data revealed the sector supports 1,360 jobs and provides £45m to his constituency’s economy.

Mr Evans attended an event in the House Of Commons where the figures were published by the British Beer And Pub Association (BBPA).

He said independent analysts Oxford Economics carried out the study.

UK-wide, he said the sector supports almost 900,000 jobs and adds £23bn to the economy.

Mr Evans, whose Weaver Vale constituency straddles most of east Runcorn, Frodsham, Daresbury and Northwich, said: “I welcome the figures from the BBPA which highlight the importance of the beer and pub industry both locally and nationally.

“This industry has a huge social and economic role in Weaver Vale, and my next challenge is to visit all 57 pubs in the constituency.

“I would like to thank the British Beer And Pub Association for organising such a great event to raise awareness of the importance of the brewing and pub sector.”

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: “The economic impact brewing and pubs has on the UK economy is clear for all to see, but on a local level the large number of people earning a living from the trade has a huge impact.

“This new data drives home how important our sector is for a vibrant and thriving local economy, alongside the huge importance of pubs to our local communities.”