Jeremy Blood

Jeremy Blood, Managing director, S&NUK

Corporate goal for the year?​

To introduce more innovative products and approaches that make an impact on the market. To be responsive and work in partnership with the on-trade. To make more of our portfolio of businesses including cider, pub enterprises, and speciality beers, as well as looking for new opportunities within the drinks sector.

Any opportunity to grow your business?​

I can always see more opportunity; this is what gets me out of bed in the morning. In a constantly-changing environment, the prize will go to those who deliver the new things consumers want.

If there is a downturn in the economy, how bad is it going to get?​

One thing is certain, we need to plan and prepare for a challenging year ahead. We would be crazy not to with the current

news flow.

Where's the light at the end of the tunnel?​

The light has to be the fact that the on-trade has proven to be highly adaptable in the past, and in my view will continue to be so.

If political pressure increases, what's our best form of defence?​

As an industry we need to get our house in order. Progress has certainly been made but we need more, as well as putting an increased effort into communicating the positives that have been achieved. Our best form of defence has to be the fact that we are Britain's favourite leisure activity, with half the population choosing to go to the on-trade each week. That has to be our greatest asset.

Biggest challenge your business faces? ​

As a major producer we cannot ignore the challenges of rising input costs such as raw materials, packaging and energy.

Personal goal for the year?​

I was thinking of buying a canoe, but apparently my insurers won't cover me.

Favourite quotation or business adage? ​

Be sure to enjoy what you are doing. If you don't, change.