Wakefield resigns BII post after spat
A high profile BII member has resigned his position claiming the organisation did little to clear his name of false accusations made against him a year ago.
Nigel Wakefield has handed back his CMBII — the highest level of membership — and given up his role as a membership development consultant.
The outspoken critic of the pubco model claims that he was removed from his North Devon region after being falsely accused of giving a speech claiming he had had two failed businesses and the BII had done nothing to help him.
The accusations were made by a BII off-trade member and turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
Wakefield has infact, not had any failed businesses, and denies ever giving such a speech. He said his membership patch was moved 60 miles from his home territory.
However, following a hearing on 22 July led by former Bass executive John Taylor, BII chief executive Neil Robertson wrote to Wakefiled stating: "I have found no evidence of improper treatment of you, nor of any improper behaviour by any of the officers involved.
"But I have found that communication has been below the standard I expect and that unhelpful allegations and gossip have been left unchallenged rather than decisively dealt with."
Valued member
He said Wakefield's area had been changed and he had not been sacked. He added: "I find that on this occasion our communication has fallen below that high standard, and I apologise unreservedly for that.
"This has led as a consequence, to some not unsurprising questions around the reasons for the decision to change your remit.
"I found no evidence that this decision was taken on political, or any other improper grounds.
"Please let me add further reassurance that, for as long as I am chief executive, the BII will be a place that can and indeed must accommodate a range of views."
Robertson stressed that the BII had always valued Wakefield as a member and the work he had done for the organisation.
Wakefield said: "I feel let down by the whole process. I just wanted to clear my name and get an apology as I felt my reputation had been damaged.
"The BII has no way of dealing with complaints. I have lost my faith in the organisation."
