The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has announced a new Empowering People award, which seeks to highlight the best breweries in the UK to work for. The award is the newest category in the SIBA Business Awards 2023, now open for entries.

SIBA business awards 2023

The new award will put a spotlight on independent craft breweries who go above and beyond for members of their team:

  • empowering people to achieve more in their professional career;
  • introducing initiatives and incentives which create a positive working environment;
  • making efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity;
  • or providing benefits or support mechanisms which encourage a happier healthier life for employees.

“The brewing sector is an incredibly hands-on and collaborative industry, and the wellbeing of employees is at the forefront of all successful brewing businesses,” said Neil Walker, chair of judges for the business awards.

“This new award seeks to highlight the breweries in the UK who are not only supporting their staff but helping them to have a happier, more successful working life.”

The SIBA Business Awards seek to congratulate excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, from pumpclip, can, and bottle design, to efforts taken by brewers to make their business more sustainable, innovative, or successful, as well as naming the UK’s best pubs, bars, and retailers of craft beer from independent breweries.

Christian Barden, UK & Europe chief executive of Konvoy, which is sponsoring the new Empowering People Award as well as the overall brewery business of the year, said: “I’m really proud to be supporting SIBA’s new award for Empowering People.

“Having been part of and built businesses across various organisations and continents, it’s always empowered people that are encouraged to dream and work together with mutual trust and respect that create long-term success stories. It’s so easily forgotten when the pressure is on, but that’s actually when it matters most. 

“High performing teams are always about smiling faces and great results, and that’s the environment we’ll keep building at Konvoy. It all comes down to empowerment at every level, which is what my leaders create for me, too. I look forward to seeing the great entries from breweries across the UK that are striving to do the same.”

Neil Walker added: “The SIBA Business Awards have evolved in response to changing consumer habits over recent years, as more people look to purchase beer online or discover their local brewery taproom.

“Independent craft breweries are embedded in their local communities, and these awards highlight the businesses doing it better than anyone else in the UK.”