Beer Academy appoints Development Director to step change growth

The Beer Academy has appointed pub retailing expert and Beer Academy Sommelier, Alastair Scott, as Development Director to spearhead the next phase of the organisation’s growth.
Beer Academy Director Simon Jackson said “The past three years have seen some great success for the Beer Academy. There are now over 40 Beer Academy Sommeliers and August set a monthly record number of course applications since the Academy was created ten years ago.
“Our mission is to educate, enlighten and enthuse people about beer. The launch of recent campaigns like “Let there be beer” and “Its better down the pub” show that more and more people share this ambition. The time is ripe for the Beer Academy to step change its impact and revolutionise the way that people look at beer.”
Beer Academy Development Director, Alastair Scott said “My interest in beer and pubs was first sparked when I became a bar manager at University. This spurred me to join Bass when I graduated and I have worked in the sector ever since. The most important thing that I have learned in my career is that people are pivotal to commercial success. Their knowledge and passion is vital to inspiring customers. No one can succeed in the wine industry without a formal wine qualification. The same must be true for beer if we are going to succeed in changing public perceptions of the category."

Alastair Scott runs Catton hospitality, a series of businesses that support the hospitality sector, as well as his own pubs. Alastair gained his experience through Bass, working on both the brewing and pub side over the years. He writes for many publications across the sector as well as being a judge for pub awards. He was one of the first group to qualify as a Beer sommelier and runs many beer and food events himself.

The Beer Academy is an educational body that was founded by a small group of beer enthusiasts in 2003 to help people understand, appreciate and enjoy beer sensibly. To date over 10,000 people have attended Beer Academy courses and tasting events such as the BBC Good Food Show, the Great British Beer Festival and the British Museum as well as in pubs and bars up and down the country. The Academy offers a range of courses and qualifications ranging from a 90 minute tutored introduction to beer through to its highest award – the Sommelier Qualification. Full details of all Beer Academy Courses and events can be found www.beeracademy.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @TheBeerAcademy and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beer-Academy/411889238846208