Family brewers stepping up to ensure survival
Family brewers are stepping up their lobbying and campaigning activity to help ensure their future survival.
The change comes after an Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB) review concluded brewers needed to do more to protect their interests.
But with the refocus has come confusion about the role of chairman of the organisation.
Last week Tim Bonham, managing director of Hardys & Hansons, was announced as the new chairman, although his position is now unclear after he stepped down from the brewer's board yesterday (Wednesday).
The former IFBB chairman Anthony Fuller, chairman of Fuller Smith & Turner, is moving to the new role of vice-president with the Brewers of Europe.
Scott Waddington (pictured), chief executive of Cardiff brewer SA Brain is to lead the IFBB committee, taking over from Stephen Goodyear, Young's chief executive.
Mr Waddington is tasked with implementing the group's new strategy of proactive communications and lobbying.
The IFBB is refocusing its efforts to more effectively champion the role its members play in the industry, and face business challenges such as the smoking ban and alcohol-related disorder.
The organisation has been best known in the past for its stance on beer duty, promoting cask conditioned beer and the publicity surrounding its membership criteria.
To strengthen the IFBB's shift in purpose, a specialist public affairs consultant has also been appointed to improve communication to Westminster and promote the concerns of IFBB members to MPs.
Mr Bonham said: "We have seen changing pressures on small brewers, who are operating in an increasingly competitive market and plagued by additional cost burdens - as demonstrated by the loss of at least four family-owned independent brewers in the last year, bought by major brewing companies.
"In light of this, it is now more important than ever that IFBB and its members have a voice.
"We will be refocusing our efforts to respond to the immense changes we have seen in the industry. In future, IFBB will become an issues-led organistion."
Formed in 1993, the IFBB represents the interests of 31 family-run brewers.
