Community

The Rank Group will attempt to make a positive difference to the lives of people in the locations where we operate through local engagement,
community involvement and economic contribution.

Our priorities and our progress

Community engagement – In many communities, our venues act as important social hubs where people can come together to share each other’s company. In particular, our Mecca Bingo clubs act as safe, warm and friendly places to meet, especially for women. We are embracing the development of social media as another means of engaging with our communities. By the end of 2010, our brands had established a network of more than 31,000 ‘fans’ on Facebook; and 3,400 ‘followers’ on Twitter. Mecca Bingo was particularly successful, with more than 25,000 Facebook fans.

Community involvement – In order to gain acceptance and feel valued in our local markets, we go beyond 'business as usual' in an effort to make a broad contribution to life within the communities where we operate.

This takes the form of charitable fund-raising for local and national causes, the use of our venues for community events and participation in local business and community organisations, amongst other activities.

Our performance

• Raised more than £288,000 to fund respite care for cancer patients in our communities through Marie Curie Cancer Care;
• Employment for more than 8,900 people across Great Britain, Spain and Belgium;
• 9% increase in average employee numbers;
• Investment of more than £51m in capital projects, leading to significant indirect job creation;
• £156m directly generated in taxes in 2010.