Dr Andy Wood (pictured), chief executive of Adnams, has been presented with the special award for environmental responsibility at the FIRST Responsible Capitalism Awards.
The award recognises his work in nurturing and expanding the Adnams Community Trust, and for refining the company’s sustainability goals to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce excess consumption of water, and minimise its waste to landfill sites.
Over 25 years, Andy has been instrumental in key projects, one of the largest of which was the building of an innovative distribution centre in 2007, which is one of the most energy efficient buildings of its kind. This started a period of innovation within Adnams, seeing the addition of energy-efficient brewing equipment, the carbon footprinting of its products, and diversification into distilling.
A sustainable business is not exclusively about environmental initiatives and impacts, it is about ensuring the company is fit for the future in a rapidly changing market. In 2017, Adnams invested more than £9m into its brewery, and The Swan Hotel. These investments are critical to enabling Adnams to complete in the growing low- and no-alcohol drinks market, and in attracting a growing number of people choosing staycations and seeking luxury UK breaks.
When making the award, the judges are looking for leaders who have consistently demonstrated social responsibility as an integral part of commercial success, examining in particular the manner in which their business interacts both with the environment and the communities in which they operate.
Andy said: “I am delighted to have been recognised with such a prestigious award. Leading a business committed to doing the right thing is a privilege, and it’s a testament to the great team we have at Adnams.
“In reality, this award is for the whole Adnams team. Ensuring sustainability is an integral part of what we do, and not seen as a sideline activity, has been the key to our success.”
» Adnams in global collaboration ahead of World Cup
