St Austell wins West of England Business of Year
The award was judged on profitability and business management as well commitment to communities, the environment and the workforce.
The independent judges at the auditors PwC awards, highlighted the company’s sustainable growth, acquisition of Bath Ales, product diversifications, and continued investment back into the business, including new brewing technologies.
These included the launch of a 330ml can of Tribute to be served to British Airways customers and installation of its Small Batch Brewery to help meet the demand for new beer styles and flavours.
St Austell Brewery CEO James Staughton said: "We are enormously proud to have been picked as winners from such an outstanding group of finalists.
“The testing criteria for the PwC awards are what make them so prestigious and they also serve to highlight the amazing standard of businesses operating across the south-west at all levels. It is a very real honour for all of us at the company to see our efforts recognised and rewarded among such great competition."
PwC head of tax in the west region and chair of the judges Nick Morgan said: “St Austell Brewery has seen turnover increase by 44.5% to over £153m. The brewery, which employs over 1,400 staff, also impressed award judges with its training facility, planned new Exeter-based chef academy and successful apprenticeship scheme.
“I would personally like to congratulate St Austell and all the 2017 award finalists. This year’s competition saw a diverse range of businesses, showing the strength and breadth of the businesses here on our doorstep in the west of England.”
The independent judges visited St Austell Brewery, a long-established family business that has continued to evolve. The business has invested in a small-batch brewery for specialist beers and R&D, diversifying through hotels, food and now a coffee brand and producing half-litre bottles and third-of-a-litre cans to open up new markets.
