New BBPA boss hailed for lobbying work
The new chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has been hailed as "one of the best trade lobbyists of all time".
Industry figures have spoken highly of Brigid Simmonds, the former chief executive of Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL), who was announced as Rob Hayward's permanent replacement.
Simmonds takes on the role at a challenging time for the organisation, which is seen by many as being on the back foot over issues such as beer tax, the mandatory alcohol retailing code and the debate over pubcos.
She will also have to unify different factions within the BBPA, for example between pubcos and brewers with tied estates.
"She has been one of the best trade lobbyists of all time," said MA legal editor Peter Coulson.
"It was Brigid Simmonds at BISL who pursued the £70 jackpot for pub gaming machines and succeeded. She has a really excellent track record with lobbying Government."
Solicitor Julian Skeens of Jeffrey Green Russell said: "As a director of BISL I've known Brigid for over 20 years. During that time she has just got better and better.
"She has really gained the respect of the Government departments so that she is giving access to places and people that others can't, frankly.
"She is encyclopedic about the leisure industry. I think it's a great coup for the BBPA to have her services and I'm very confident she will be able to regain the momentum of the industry."
BISL executive director Andy Sutch said: "One of her great attributes is to lobby with civil servants and ministers — that always comes across in assessments."
Simmonds starts her new role on 7 September. She said: "The pub is a hugely important British institution, at the heart of the nation's community and social life, and beer is our national drink.
"I very much look forward to working with the industry to promote the positive role pubs and beer play in our economy, community and the daily lives of millions of people throughout the country. I relish the opportunity to take forward the agenda on socially responsible drinking and communicate the benefits of a product which is second to none."
BBPA chairman Michael Turner said: "I am delighted that Brigid is joining us. She brings with her a wealth of experience of working in and on behalf of the leisure industry and is very well versed in the many issues and challenges facing our sector.
"She has an excellent reputation and track record of working closely and effectively with ministers, officials and parliamentarians.
"I feel confident that Brigid will unite the industry, drive the agenda and continue the recent work of putting the BBPA on the front foot."
