Beer Group honours Keith Bott
(l-r): Robert Humphreys, honorary secretary, All Party Parliamentary Beer Group; Guy Sheppard, chairman, Society of Independent Brewers; Andrew Griffiths, chairman, APPBG and Keith Bott
Keith Bott, recently retired chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and a hugely influential figure in the British brewing scene for the last 30 years, was yesterday presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG).
APPBG chairman Andrew Griffiths said, “Keith’s impact on the British brewing industry is immeasurable and it is no exaggeration to say that, without his involvement over the last three decades, the sector would look very different. He has been a towering presence in the modern, forward-looking brewing industry that his vision, and his tireless campaigning, have helped to shape.
“For his unique contribution to British brewing, Keith is a very worthy recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Bott started his brewing career as an assistant brewer at a microbrewery in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent, which he then bought, with his brother David, three years later. Titanic Brewery has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the far-sighted decisions by its owners as much as its excellent beers.
Bott became a SIBA trustee in 1996 and was elected chairman in 2003. He served two four-year terms as chairman of SIBA and in between them filled the role of president. Under his direction, SIBA achieved many of its most significant campaigning successes and evolved into the influential and respected organisation it is today.
SIBA managing director Mike Benner said, “Everyone within SIBA, and the wider British brewing industry, will applaud this well-deserved recognition for Keith. He has been a driving force behind many of the great victories for beer, through a combination of strategic vision, political astuteness and, underpinning everything he did, a deeply-held passion for our national drink.
“To have achieved so much as chairman and president, while also building a hugely successful brewery, speaks volumes for Keith’s talent, which we at SIBA are still privileged to benefit from, as he continues to serve as a trustee for our Midlands region.”
Bott stepped down from his second term as SIBA chairman in March this year, and was replaced by Guy Sheppard, a long-standing SIBA trustee and founder of Exe Valley Brewery. As one of 24 members of the Board of Trustees, Bott continues to provide oversight and direction for SIBA.
