22 Paul Wells chairman, Wells & Young's (26) Nigel McNally managing director, Wells & Young's (new entry)

Why they are on the list:

Paul Wells now enjoys a dual role following the merger of the Wells & Young's brewing interests to form one brewing company last October. He chairs the new brewery board and keeps his job as chairman of the Charles Wells Pub Company. He also took up chairmanship of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain. Nigel McNally's sole responsibility now lies with brewery operations, where he has won a reputation as having one of the industry's best marketing brains.

What the past year has held:

Wells & Young's officially began operations last October, bringing together two respected brewery operations and a number of flagship brands, including Young's Bitter and Charles Wells Bombardier. The merger catapulted the new company into third place among the super regionals. Since then it's been consolidating its position further with the acquisition of the Courage beer brands from Scottish & Newcastle UK.

Challenges ahead:

Apart from keeping Young's drinkers happy, the main mission will be to re-vitalise the neglected Courage beers, and a sum of £2m has already been put aside to do just that.