Bott takes SIBA chair

Bott: 'An exciting time'

Titanic boss takes over from Peter Amor

Britain’s Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has a new chairman at its helm, managing director of Stoke-on-Trent’s Titanic Brewery Keith Bott.

Elected yesterday at the industry body’s annual general meeting in Stratford-on-Avon, Bott takes over from Peter Amor, SIBA chairman for the past three years.

This is Bott’s second tenure, having filled the role from 2003 to 2007 during SIBA’s rapid growth after the introduction of progressive beer duties in 2002.

“SIBA today is a very different organisation to the one I chaired three years ago,” said Bott.

During Amor’s tenure the body appointed its first chief executive, Julian Grocock, who Bott said had been instrumental in enhancing SIBA’s standing.

“This is an exiting time to be taking on the chairman’s role,” added Bott. “I look forward to working with Julian, as well as SIBA’s trustees and directors, to ensure the continued success of the UK’s thriving quality beer sector.”

Bott will relinquish his current role as president, incorporating that role’s political lobbying duties within the chairman’s remit.

Formed in 1980 to represent Britain’s growing micro-brewing sector, SIBA now represents some 450 independent brewers, 98% of these produce less than 30,000hl a year, qualifying for reduced tax rates under progressive beer duties.