Titanic boss takes helm at SIBA
Titanic Brewery managing director Keith Bott has been elected as the new chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).
Bott, whose appointment was confirmed at the group's annual conference last week, takes over from the outgoing Peter Amor.
It will be his second stint in the role after serving for four years between 2003 to 2007.
Bott said: "SIBA today is a very different organisation to the one I chaired three years ago. Since then, we have appointed our first chief executive, Julian Grocock, who has steered SIBA through a period of change and enhanced our standing with government, trade bodies, the media and other stakeholders.
"This is an exciting time to be taking on the chairman's role, and I look forward to working with Julian as well as SIBA's trustees and directors, to ensure the continued success of the UK's thriving quality beer sector."
Meanwhile, West Yorkshire brewery Saltaire scooped three awards at the event, which was held in Stratford-on-Avon on Thursday and Friday.
It won the Supreme Champion Beer 2010 for its Triple Chocoholic, with the same beer also winning the Gold Award in the Champion Beer Speciality category. The brewer's Cascade Pale Ale won the Champion Premium Bitters prize.
Tony Gartland, owner and head brewer at Saltaire Brewery, said: "Winning three awards is a great thrill. I thought we stood a good chance in the Speciality Beer category, but to win the overall title was a real surprise and shows that the UK's beer drinkers are ready for new, different tastes."
