Get a reminder about future competitions
Keep the good times flowing for independent pubs
International football tournaments typically bring a huge boost to UK pubs. But late kick-offs mean that many independent pubs are facing empty tables – with our research revealing that over one million pub seats could be left empty.
Which is why we’re calling on you to support your local pub.
Pledging to visit your local is one way of giving pubs the support they deserve. So get your friends together, watch the football, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Awarding one local pub £5,000
We’re giving one independent pub a £5,000 cash grant to help make up for lost revenue.
The competition is now closed – but pubs still need your support. Check back soon to see which pub won.
And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about future competitions.
The best seat in the house
We installed ‘the best seat in the house’ at local pub The Bricklayer’s Arms in Putney – and invited football legend Ray Parlour down to visit.
“Pubs and football go hand in hand. There’s nothing quite like being in your local, cheering on your team, and celebrating with friends and strangers alike over a last-minute winner.
“I know first-hand what it takes to keep a pub going and, right now, landlords are fighting harder than ever just to keep the doors open. Alongside other small businesses, these aren’t faceless organisations; they’re people who’ve put everything into serving their communities and they need our support.
“There’s no better place to watch the football than your local. It is simply the best seat in the house.”
Ray Parlour
Ex-England international player and former pub owner
The true cost of late kick-offs across the UK
pub seats will be left empty
in potential lost revenue
won’t watch a game starting later than 8pm
Research conducted by OnePoll UK on behalf of Simply Business in June 2026 surveying 2,000 respondents.
About Simply Business
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Nearly a million customers across 1,000 different trades trust us to support them with their insurance.
You can build a policy tailored to your business, choosing the covers that you need to help protect your business’s name.