The British Beer and Pub Association has held its annual dinner, at the Royal Armouries, in Leeds, celebrating the champions of the beer and pub sector.
The trade association’s industry champion award was presented to Jeremy Clarkson for his work in bringing national attention to the challenges facing pubs and brewers through the launch of his Hawkstone beer brand and the purchase of his first pub, The Farmer’s Dog.
The BBPA chairman’s award, introduced by BBPA chairman and Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie, was jointly awarded to Katy Moses, of KAM, and Steve Alton, of the British Institute of Innkeeping. This recognised their fantastic industry initiative which has raised a £1.4 million over the past four years for the evening’s two supported causes through the Hospitality Rides and the Pedalling for Pubs fundraisers.
This year’s fundraising supported Only a Pavement Away, a charity helping people rebuild their lives through employment in hospitality, and the Licensed Trade Charity, which provides vital support to publicans, brewers, and hospitality workers in times of need.
“This year’s winners each shine a light on what makes our industry so special: its passion, its resilience and its people,” said BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin.
“Jeremy Clarkson has brought national attention to the realities of running a pub, even saying it’s harder than running a farm — a reminder of just how challenging it can be for publicans right now.
“Katy Moses and Steve Alton have shown the best of our sector through their incredible fundraising efforts with Hospitality Rides and Pedalling for Pubs, supporting colleagues and causes that make a real difference.
“Their achievements underline why it’s so important that the chancellor backs our sector at the autumn Budget by cutting beer duty and delivering meaningful business rates reform to unlock investment and growth for Britain’s vital beer and pub industry.”
