The Drinks Trust raised more than £92,000 at its annual gala on 14 October, money the charity says will extend services for drinks industry workers facing financial hardship and job losses.

More than 360 guests attended the event at the Guildhall in the City of London, which fell in the charity's 140th anniversary year. Wine personalities Helen McGinn and Olly Smith, both Drinks Trust patrons, hosted the evening and drove the donation appeals.

CEO Nicky Burston called the sum unprecedented. "The unprecedented amount raised this year at our annual Gala will make a long-lasting tangible difference to people across our industry when they need it most," she said.

What will the money fund?

The charity has not published a detailed breakdown of how the £92,000 will be allocated. What it has confirmed is one named programme: a new men's health series launching in 2027, funded by a separate Cycle Together bike ride held in memory of industry colleague John Osborne.

Georgian Haughton — no, Georgina Haughton, the charity's trustee and head of wine buying at Sainsbury's — disclosed the programme in a speech at the gala, sharing Osborne's story with the room.

The trust says the gala funds will help it extend its services generally, at a point when industry workers continue to face financial pressure and job losses. Specific service expansions, staffing figures and eligibility criteria were not detailed in the announcement. Operators and investors reading the result should note the gap: a headline total is one thing; published spending plans are another.

Who was recognised?

Neil Barker received a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising a decade of service on the charity's board of trustees and his SIXTREME challenge earlier this year.

Burston credited the breadth of support behind the event. "The sense of togetherness in the room was truly special and a powerful reminder of the generosity and spirit that has defined our industry since 1886," she said. "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the Gala possible, from our sponsors, supporters and guests to the dedicated team behind the scenes."

What does this change for operators?

For hospitality businesses, the practical effect is indirect. The Drinks Trust provides support to individuals, not companies — so the £92,000 funds worker assistance rather than commercial relief. Operators under pressure on payroll and retention may still find the charity a referral route for staff in hardship, and the 2027 men's health series signals a widening of services beyond financial support.

What happens next: the men's health series begins in 2027, and the trust will publish further detail on how this year's record total converts into expanded services.