Mike calls time on drinks industry career
Edwards Wood (left) enjoying a pint with Mike Turner at the brewery
A man known to pub licensees and restaurateurs throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and to drinks wholesalers up and down the country has retired after more than 40 years in the drinks industry.
Mike Turner has spent the past 21 years building sales of traditionally brewed beers for one of Shropshire’s most successful independent breweries, Wood’s of Wistanstow, near Craven Arms.
Wood’s MD, Edward Wood, said: “Mike has been instrumental in helping us grow our sales over the years. He had vast experience of the licensed trade when he joined us and he knows it from top to bottom. We wish him well in his retirement.”
Mike, who lives in Tenbury Wells, joined Wood’s in 1993 after 10 years with the wholesale vintner, Evertons of Ombersley. He arrived there from one of the early ‘new wave’ independent brewers, the now-defunct Jolly Roger Brewing Company, Worcester. Prior to that he spent a decade running the Marlbank Inn at Welland, near Malvern, with his wife, Val.
Said Mike: “I came back to the beer side of the industry with Wood’s because I thought there was great potential for independent brewers after a period when the large breweries had almost completely dominated sales with keg beer. At that time we were one of only a few small independent brewers in the region, but nowadays there are many more, reflecting the rising popularity of real ales again. Today is a golden age for traditional ale drinkers, but the challenge for brewers remains the same as always, ensuring licensees can keep the beers in prime condition and ensuring bar staff serve them well.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the trade and particularly with Wood’s because I’ve struck some great friendships and had good rapport with licensees over the years.”
So what will Mike do in retirement? Golfing and walking are on the agenda – as well as a nice meal and a good pint at a selected restaurant or hostelry.
Mike’s successor at Wood’s is James Owens, who joined the brewery in April.
