Supporting the work of Only A Pavement Away
We are delighted to announce our charity partner Only A Pavement Away.
Only A Pavement Away connects forward thinking hospitality employers and charities working with people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans to help them find and forge new careers in hospitality. The charity currently works alongside 87 hospitality employers and 85 charity partners, and hospitality businesses to offer employment to those facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans. In addition, the charity also has over 200 work-ready candidates listed on its Candidate Profile Page (CPP) jobs board which is designed to support individuals who are looking to start new careers within hospitality. The charity is also seeking funding from industry backers to enable it to reach its goal of placing 700 members into employment over the next 3 years.
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group said: “The Portman Group promotes responsibility across the alcohol sector. We are impressed with the work of Only a Pavement Away who are enabling the hospitality sector to secure teams, giving second chances to former service personnel, prisoners and the homeless. The commitment that the firms are making to these new employees is testament to the support they have to helping people in their communities. This is something we have seen time and time again including during the COVID-19 pandemic and in everyday kindnesses to their teams, customers and localities. We are delighted to support Only A Pavement Away as our charity.”
As part of the Portman Group’s support, Nicola Bates, Director of External Affairs has also agreed to join as an Advisor to support the charity as it continues to grow and develop its employment programme.
Nicola commented, “Only a Pavement Away has had a considerable impact for individuals in just a short time of operation. I am delighted to be able to join the next phase of their journey and work with them to help connect businesses with people who need a hand up’.
Greg Mangham, Founder & CEO said, “I am really pleased that Nicola has agreed to join Only A Pavement Away as an Advisor. Nicola’s vast experience in business and dedication on helping those who face homelessness will be a great support to the work we do. Nicola will also bring the added advantage of the great work and support the Portman Group gives to the alcohol sector. Another crucial addition to the Only A Pavement Team and our development over the next 12 months.”
Mangham added, “By 2026, it is estimated that there will be another 1.3 million vacancies in the hospitality industry. At the same time the number of rough sleepers is on the increase. By joining forces with forward thinking companies like the Portman Group we can help someone get their life back on track and help fill the industry with hard-working, committed staff.”
For companies looking for more information on sponsorships and ways to support Only A Pavement Away, please email: fundraising@onlyapavementaway.co.uk. To find out more about the vital work undertaken by Only A Pavement Away, visit www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk or keep an eye on the social media pages, Facebook: @onlyapavementaway, Twitter: @apavementaway, Instagram: @only_a_pavement_away and LinkedIn: Only A Pavement Away.
