When we started the idea of runmypub we were convinced that a group of like-minded people could improve upon some of the landlords out there.

At the start, just a couple of years ago, many pubs were closing but a large number, under the stewardship of good landlords, were doing very well and prospering. However since then even the best landlords have found it hard, with not only hefty taxes but also changing consumer markets and the social impacts of the credit crunch. The global recession has meant that consumer spending on entertainment is at an all time low and therefore pub closures continue to escalate.

Unfortunately, runmypub has therefore decided that the current climate dictates that we too must draw a line under this venture.

We have found that whilst a vast number of people supported what we were trying to do, we fully understand that it is not easy at the moment to find the spare money to pay for full membership. Consequently our numbers are considerably lower than we would have hoped for or even expected at this stage. The proposal is simply not viable with the numbers we currently have and there is no sign of the numbers increasing sufficiently in the foreseeable future. In addition, a number of our backers have had to pull out as they concentrate on staying afloat in their own businesses and although they offer moral support regrettably they cannot offer financial support.

This project has made significant progress since inception due mainly to your support and substantial investment from the founders. The founder directors are no longer able to continue funding from their own resources.

Many positives have come out of this journey including the support of many individuals, the profile given to the idea via various media outlets, the raised awareness of the issue of pub closures, the backing of the concept from all quarters - and very importantly the many friends made along the way.

But it is with deep regret that we are in the position of having to call time on runmypub.