In my humble opinion, it is the fact that we are somewhat old-fashioned in today’s fast-paced, margin-driven commercial environment. We still work to best practice, quality, strong communication between supplier and customer. My year is route-marked with a number of events, such as our lunches and dinners, tours, seminars, social events, overseas exhibitions, all of them enjoyable and, none of them “jollies”, no matter how social the occasion. What is wrong with meeting with colleagues; peers; customers, old , new and yet-to-be, to talk non commercially about our industry, with the aim of ensuring that we are all the better informed and stronger for it – whether it be in a seminar room or golf course? From grain to glass, BFBi’s remit is to bring benefit to our members via representation, information and communication. We strongly believe that if we can endorse best practice and quality of product to our Members then the end product will be the better for it. The fact that a number of our events are fun, as well as informative, is all the better. With so many organisations representing so many aspects of the drinks supply chain, at a time when the challenge that is Brexit brings an unknown future, I want to, again, make a plea that we combine forces to form a cohesive approach, increasing the strength and effectiveness of our message. So, if any of the other organisations read this – how about it? Let’s join forces and create a cohesive strategy for the future to ensure we are all enjoying our industry for many years to come. Speaking of events, BFBi has a calendar of events – both social and professional, which can be found on our website. One of the major events on the horizon is drinktec. We have two large pavillion stands with bars. If you would like to showcase your drinks on the bars, please let us know. We have grant funding for eligible, exhibiting companies so contact us if you wish to know more. We also have 40 tickets for the first day of Oktoberfest (Saturday, 16th September) so contact us if you would like further information. Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O. Welcome TO We believe that we are unique in that we represent an entire value chain - from seed merchants, barley growers, maltsters, hop merchants, suppliers of raw materials through to production and packaging machinery manufacturers and suppliers and dispense/point of sale suppliers, manufacturers and installers. Our core values are sustainability of the value chain; fraternity; promotion of our Members, enabling them to act together in all areas relating to their trade or professional interests. Today, our strength and depth of membership expertise continues to help manage the opportunities and challenges facing our modern industry. 6 BREWING & BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS Ruth Evans Representing the entire value chain supplying the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Brewers - the BFBi is open to you too! - Telephone 01902 422303 for more information As we approach the summer months and industry events approach, I often think how lucky I am to work in a job I love and an industry that still recognises, for the most part, the value of working together, as colleagues, suppliers and customers. What makes the drinks industry, and in particular the alcoholic drinks industry, so rewarding, other than the end product? For a full calendar of BFBi events visit: www.bfbi.org.uk/industry-events/consolidated-programme-of-events The value of working together 6_Layout 1 16/05/2017 13:26 Page 1