There’s something about watching leadership stories play out in public that makes you reflect on your own team – it’s a useful reminder that staying connected and on the same page never happens by accident.
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Lately, I’ve been taking a step back and asking myself a few simple questions. Are we clear on what matters most right now? Do people understand where we’re heading and why? Are we spending our time and energy on the things that will make the biggest difference?
In brewing, our purpose is straightforward. We’re here to make exceptional beer – beer that reflects the heritage of St Austell Brewery, the skill of the people who make it and the standards our drinkers expect every time they order a pint.
What deserves your focus
The challenge is that there are always a hundred worthwhile things competing for attention. New ideas, improvements, innovations, projects and opportunities. The trick isn’t finding things to do; it’s knowing what deserves our focus and when – and that’s especially true at this time of year.
Summer is our busiest season and the brewery feels it. Every tank is working hard and the packaging lines are running flat out. Brewers, engineers, warehouse teams and logistics crews are all pushing to keep up with demand. When the sun comes out and the pubs fill up, the pace lifts everywhere.
At moments like that, clarity becomes invaluable. It helps everyone make good decisions and keeps us focused on what matters most.
For me, that priority is simple: brewing and packaging the best beer possible, safely, consistently and to the highest quality. Everything else still matters, but during peak season that’s the heartbeat of the operation.
Never a solo effort
This year has also reminded us how much the world around us affects what happens inside the brewery. We’ve gone from storms and flooding to prolonged heatwaves in a matter of weeks. During some of the hottest days, brewhouse temperatures climbed above 40°C. At that point, you’re not just making beer; you’re looking after people, protecting equipment and adapting quickly to keep everything running smoothly.
It’s a reminder that brewing is never a solo effort. It takes experience, teamwork, flexibility and a shared sense of purpose.
And when the pressure is on, that’s what makes the difference. Not any one individual, but a team of talented people pulling together to keep great beer flowing.
