East London Brewing Company has named James Healey as its new managing director, a role previously held by owner Ronnie Finch, who took over the business last year.  Having first been hired earlier this year as commercial director, Healey’s promotion marks a new chapter for the independent brewery, which pointed to plans to build its brands and grow the business. …

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has announced seven new Masters of Wine (MWs), after the candidates passed all three stages of the MW exam.  Among them is Alice Archer from the UK, who began her career at Cambridge Wine Merchants and is recognised for her expertise in Champagne across the fine wine trade.  Also from the UK, Owain Hughes joins…

After a highly criticised delay, the Welsh Government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the same organisation used in the rest of the UK.  The Welsh Government explained that the scheme is set to include PET, metal and glass drinks containers from day one, with a four-year transition period for glass drinks…

UK drinks marketplace Eebria has unveiled a new brand identity and redesigned trade platform as the business enters its next phase of growth, backed by continued investment from parent company Beer52. The relaunch follows a significant period of development for Eebria, with investment across its technology, commercial proposition and team designed to strengthen the platform as a national route to market for independent…

Home to some of the major players in English wine, including Chapel Down, Balfour and Gusbourne, Kent has long been named as one of the most exciting ‘regions’ in England.  In the 2026 WineGB Awards, the county likewise stood out for its experience-led tourism and hospitality, with Westwell Wines taking the award for Best Small Cellar Door and Chapel Down scooping the prize for…

Diageo cut almost 2,000 jobs in its latest financial year, under the new leadership of CEO Dave Lewis, nicknamed “Drastic Dave.”  A title given during his time working at Tesco and Unilever, Lewis earned the nickname thanks to his extreme corporate turnarounds, heavy cost-cutting and intensive job cuts.   Now it appears the CEO has brought the same ethos to Diageo, which let go of more than 6% of…

Representatives from the UK’s independent breweries have today called for a delay to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), said The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA).  Asking for at least a year’s delay, breweries cited a “shocking” lack of details, leaving them unprepared for the scheme, which is set to be implemented in October 2027.  SIBA said that producers,…