Ian Fozard. Picture: Mark Newton Photography
Ian Fozard, of Rooster’s Brewery, in Yorkshire, has been named as the new chair of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) with immediate effect.
Ian, who has run the Knaresborough brewery, together with his sons Tom and Oliver, since 2011, has been a SIBA board member for more than four years.
Prior to purchasing Rooster’s, Ian had a long career in pub estate ownership and management, and is also a qualified accountant. He brings with him a wealth of industry experience that will be invaluable to the organisation and its members.
SIBA chief executive, Mike Benner, said: “Ian’s experience of the British pub and beer market, both in owning and running a successful pub company with Market Town Taverns and the hugely respected Rooster’s brewery, is a truly valuable asset to SIBA members, and his leadership and direction on issues such as the future of small breweries relief and access-to-market could not come at a more important time.
“I would like to welcome Ian to the team and look forward to working closely with him to the benefit of our member businesses.”
Small breweries relief
SIBA successfully campaigned for the introduction of small breweries relief and has been a fervent protector of it ever since. This system helps to create a more level playing field for brewers in the UK, says SIBA, allowing smaller producers to compete with the purchasing power and access to market of the large national and global brewers.
Ian said: “I am delighted to be elected chairman of SIBA by my board colleagues and am proud to have the trust of SIBA brewers from across the UK behind me. I hope to help guide SIBA and its members towards a successful, vibrant future for British independent craft beer, at a time when there are threats and challenges coming from various directions.
“I intend to be open and approachable to all SIBA members. I believe that SIBA’s strength is in being a ‘broad church’ and will do everything in my power to retain this status, encouraging tolerance of different views and different brewing size and style.”
Anthony Hughes, of Lincoln Green Brewing, has been named as SIBA’s new vice-chair.
