BREWERS' GUARDIAN: Bott takes SIBA chair

Bott takes SIBA chair
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Rob Brown on 05 March, 2010 10:33:00
 
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.