I’ve been commissioning, writing, editing and proofreading copy in the drinks and hospitality marketing business for over 25 years. As well as all that industry experience, I’m a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, ProCopywriters and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
I graduated from Oxford University with a first-class degree in Jurisprudence (Law). There is nothing like studying law to help you appreciate how words can be used to communicate with clarity and preciseness – or how they can be used to achieve exactly the opposite.
Then I joined a global drinks business. I spent years in sales and marketing learning how to communicate with different types of customers and consumers. Working with brands, bars, restaurants and hotels to get their messages across. Talking to craft beer geeks, winemakers and cocktail lovers about their passion for their subject.
I had fun collaborating with writers, researchers, digital and design agencies, graphic artists and printers. I commissioned, wrote, edited and proofread everything from magazines, website content and training material to menus, recipes and wine labels.
I’m proud that some of my projects have won prizes; the Crafted craft beer handbook was awarded Best Trade Publication by the British Guild of Beer Writers (2014 & 2016) and the Beer Marketing Awards (2015).
I’ve always enjoyed using language to make jargon-filled subjects, like wine or craft beer, more accessible. I’ve spent a lot of my career helping retailers to communicate more effectively with people, no matter what their level of category knowledge. I’m a Full Member of the British Guild of Beer Writers (you can see my profile here). I hold the Wines & Spirits Education Trust Higher Certificate (with Distinction). If you want to see some of my projects, check out my LinkedIn profile.
I’m a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading with English as my first language. You can see my entry in the CIEP Directory here. I’m also a member of ProCopywriters. You can see my Directory entry here.
OK. As you can probably guess, I’m a wine lover. A cocktail fan. A craft beer enthusiast. I’m a foodie; a constant buyer of new cookbooks. I’m a total travel geek; travelling whenever I can, to wherever I can. Also a keen photographer and fan of Korean cinema.
DAVID GWILLIAM - Purchasing Manager, formerly Carlsberg UK
CRAIG LETTON - CEO, MRM Global
LOUISE BODDINGTON - Wine Buyer, formerly Crown Cellars
SARAH ALLAWAY - Strategy Consultant and Owner, Riverbed Strategy
KELLY BATES - Proofreader and Copyeditor, Kelly Bates Editorial
JANE JOHNSON - Account Director, DCB Group
LEE EVANS - Managing Director, Condor Wines
ANNABEL SMITH - Beer Writer, Sommelier & Trainer, Beer Belle
ANTONIO GIANSANTE - Managing Director, BGN Agency
VANESSA HAWKINS - Brand Innovation Manager, formerly Carlsberg UK
MIKE GIBSON - Sales Director – Wines & Spirits, Crown Cellars
GARY HOWARD - Chief Digital Officer, Precision Marketing