PRESS RELEASE - 13th APRIL 2004

New General Secretary For United Kingdom Vineyards Association

The industry’s representative body, the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA), is saying goodbye to one of the industry’s longest serving officers, Ian Berwick, and welcoming a new General Secretary.

Ian Berwick is retiring after over 30 years in English wines. He set up one of England’s first commercial vineyards, Bruisyard in Suffolk in 1973, which he ran until last year. He has also played a significant role in the official side of the industry, on the board of the English Vineyards Association (EVA), and had a major part in restructuring it in to the United Kingdom Vineyards Association in 1997. Ian was Chairman of both the EVA and UKVA over 6 years and latterly its General Secretary, working closely with relevant bodies to set up the new labelling regulations. Ian was awarded an MBE for his services to the UK wine industry in 2004.

Robert Beardsmore now takes the role of General Secretary with effect from April 18th. Robert is new to the wine industry but has gained wine experience in England and New Zealand. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Robert’s enthusiasm for wines took him to Villa Maria Estate, Auckland, where he was Project Accountant, and earlier this year he spent some time at Vidal Estate in the vineyards and winery in Hawkes Bay.

Robert brings with him considerable administrative experience to tackle the many legislative and technical matters that the UKVA deals with on behalf of its members and running the day-to-day business of the association, working closely with Roger Marchbank, the UKVA Chairman.

One of his first official tasks will be meeting UKVA members at the English Wine Producers Tasting on 26th April. “I’m very much looking forward to my new role,” comments Robert. “The UK wine industry is at a very exciting point in its history and the future is looking extremely positive. It will be a great challenge to play a part in moving the industry forward and assisting its members in any way I can.”

Robert can be contacted direct on the new UKVA telephone number: 01223 813812; email: robert@ukva.org.uk

ENDS

A photograph of Robert Beardsmore is available by email.
Please contact English Wine Producers for this or any other information.
Tel: 01536 772264; email: info@englishwineproducers.com