Shepherd Neame has been named supreme champion Family Business of the Year at the National Family Business of the Year Awards.
After scooping awards for London and South East Family Business of the Year and Hospitality, Hotel and Leisure Family Business of the Year, the Kent-based brewer was crowned overall winner at the Royal Geographical Society, in London.
Shepherd Neame’s director of professional property, John Barnes, and wines and spirits development manager, Moray Neame, collected the awards on behalf of the company.
The judging panel praised Shepherd Neame’s “strong governance, wider community engagement, deep history, sustainability credentials, purpose, and values”, describing the business as “truly deserving” and saying it “represents the true essence of what being an independent British family business is all about”.
“Shepherd Neame is a truly impressive example of a family business,” said family business united founder and chief executive, Paul Andrews. “Whilst they boast an incredible heritage, their continued growth, strength, and resilience are testament to their clear purpose and values, brought to life through constant innovation and adaptation.”
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame added: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised in the Family Business of the Year Awards.
“Shepherd Neame may be Britain’s oldest brewer, but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We remain an independent family business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive.”
