WSTA recognises trade figures contributions to 'Call Time on Duty' campaign
The Wine and Spirits Trade Association has recognised a select group of MPs, Michael Saunders of the newly formed Bibendum PLB Group and Denis O'Flynn of Pernod Ricard UK for their outstanding contributions to the success of the 'Call Time On Duty' campaign.
WSTA Recognition for Call Time on Duty CampaignWSTA's Miles Beale presented awards to Michael Saunders of Bibendum PLB Group and Denis O'Flynn of Pernod Ricard at a recognition ceremony at the House of Commons
The Wine and Spirits Trade Association recognised a select group of MPs, Michael Saunders of the newly formed Bibendum PLB Group and Denis O'Flynn of Pernod Ricard UK for their outstanding contributions to the success of the 'Call Time On Duty' campaign.
Miles Beale, the chief executive of the WSTA, presented the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne and Danny Alexander MP along with leaders of the trade with awards at an awards reception held at the House of Commons in recognition for their assistance in backing the 'Call Time on Duty' campaign.
Osborne was thanked for his decision to abolish the alcohol duty escalator in the 2014 Budget.
"I recognise the significant contribution the wine and spirit industry makes to the UK economy by providing employment and contributing to local communities. We need to support the community hub that is the Great British pub, including the increasing number which rely on wine and spirit sales as much as they do on sales of beer and cider," said the Chancellor.
Beale said: "I believe it is important to give credit where it is due. The wine and spirit industry asked the Chancellor to listen and to take action for jobs and growth, and he did both."
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Miles Beale, the chief executive of the WSTA, presented The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne an award in recognition of the abolishment of the duty escalator early this year |
Danny Alexander MP was also recognised for his contributions as a Treasury minister and being a champion against abolishing this year's duty escalator.
Alexander said: "I was delighted to accept my award. Abolition of the escalator is all about jobs and growth, in the Highlands and elsewhere. I want more jobs to be created in this sector and I look forward to seeing industry contribute even more to my constituents and to the national economy."
Michael Saunders, chief executive officer of the newly-formed Bibendum PLB Group, was named the inaugural 'Campaigner of the Year' for the wine category by the WSTA for his support and encouragement resulting in the largest number of people within the industry to write to their MP of any individual WSTA member.
"The WSTA has done a great job with the Call Time on Duty campaign and I felt it was my duty, as someone who works within the industry, to support it as strongly as possible. I am delighted to receive this award," said Saunders. However, Saunders still cautions that even more will need to be done next year.
Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard and the next elected chairman of the WSTA, was recognised as the inaugural 'Campaigner of the Year' for the spirits category.
Despite the success of the 2014, the WSTA is already looking forward to a stronger 2015 campaign.
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