Thornbridge has been named brewery business of the year in the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) Business Awards.
Representatives from SIBA’s brewery business of the year, Thornbridge, accepting their award from sponsor Konvoy
“Thornbridge are a superb beer business who impressed judges across the board, winning out with superb entries in some of the awards’ toughest categories,” said writer and broadcaster Pete Brown, who presented the awards.
“To be recognised as brewery business of the year is something we’re all so proud of at the brewery,” said co-founder and chief executive, Simon Webster. “It’s a testament to the hard work of the whole team.”
The awards are judged by a panel of independent beer industry experts. They cover several categories, from brewery marketing, design and innovation, to efforts to make businesses more sustainable or impactful.
The 2024 awards included a new collaboration award, which was again won again by Thornbridge for its work with Czech brewery Budvar on the popular Czech Mates beer. It was the Czech brewery’s first collaboration in its 128-year history.
Also new for 2024 was the brewers’ brewer of the year award, which was won by Jamie Delap, of Fyne Ales. “Jamie’s tireless work fighting on behalf of independent brewers against the unworkable deposit return scheme in Scotland was clearly hugely appreciated and has had a real impact on other brewing businesses who voted for this award,” said Pete Brown.
The Bailey Head, in Oswestry, was highly commended in the class for best independent craft beer pub/bar rural. It was the sixth time the venue has been a finalist in the awards in the past seven years.
Co-owner Duncan Borrowman said: “We find that increasingly these awards attract beer tourists to Oswestry and the wider area, which is good not only for us, but other businesses in the area.”
The awards in full
Best independent craft beer retailer
Stirchley Wine and Spirits
Best independent craft beer bar or pub, city
Candid Beer, Stafford
Best independent craft beer bar or pub, rural
Royal Barn, Kirkby Lonsdale
Highly commended: The Bailey Head, Oswestry
Best independent craft brewery webshop
Full Circle
Highly commended: Thornbridge
Marketing implementation
Siren, 10th anniversary
Community engagement
Bullhouse
Best individual design
Signature Brew, Riot Grrrl
Best concept design
Siren
Business innovation
Crafty Brewing
Commercial achievement
Wye Valley
Highly commended: Full Circle
Empowering people
Tap Social
Best collaboration
Thornbridge and Budvar
Highly commended: Northern Monk and Aunt Bessie’s
Best new independent craft brewery
Indie Rabble Brew Co
Best independent craft brewery taproom
Bundobust Brewery
Highly commended: 40FT
Sustainable business
Muntons
Brewers’ brewer of the year
Jamie Delap, Fyne Ales
Supplier associate of the year
Festival Glass
Brewery business of the year
Thornbridge
