OUR HISTORY

We are The BEN...We care for the people of the drinks and hospitality industry since 1887

OUR HISTORY

We are The BEN...We care for the people of the drinks and hospitality industry since 1887

Who We Are

The BEN, under various guises, has been in operation since 1864. The Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution was founded in Glasgow in 1864 while the East of Scotland Licensed Trade Benevolent Institution was established in 1887, before the two organisations merged in 1976 to form the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland - now commonly known as The BEN.

Offering financial, social and emotional support, The BEN has a large board of trustees from every section of the Trade, who work throughout Scotland and volunteer their time to help raise funds, manage the charity and support the delivery of services for beneficiaries.

The trustees are supported by a team of 'Ambassadors' (mostly retired employees from the drinks & hospitality trade ) who play a central role in engaging with beneficiaries, offering caring and comforting companionship while ensuring needs are catered for. The BEN supports people of all ages who have worked in the drinks and hospitality industry for at least two years full-time with beneficiaries receiving annual financial assistance as well as discretionary grants for emergency situations.

The BEN’s Strategy is to continue expanding its support across Scotland and ensure its services remain as relevant as ever to the drinks & hospitality industry.

Learn more about the BEN

Who do The BEN help?

We help anyone in need in the drinks & hospitality industry, whatever age or background and wherever in Scotland they are based, provided they have worked in the industry for 2 years. We can provide beneficiaries with discretionary financial support or one-off grants for emergency situations.

Mental Health Issues
Support in covering utility and household bills
Provision of home furnishings and white goods
Funding for injury rehabilitation equipment
Supply of mobility and transport solutions
And much more!

As well as financial support, the charity also operates the picturesque BEN Pitlochry Estate on the banks of the River Tay, consisting of 18 bungalows which are rented at subsidised rates for eligible residents. The BEN's day-to-day functions are overseen by Chief Executive, Chris Gardner, who provides administrative support for all beneficiaries, including management of visits and payments together with delivering the charity's calendar of events.