The Boss – The buck stops with Miles. He is in charge of keeping members happy and telling the world why the UK wine and spirits industry is totally ace.

If he were a drink what would he be?….. A glass of English sparkling wine, sophisticated, sparkling company and enjoys a bit of friendly rivalry with the French (His wife is French!)

Point of Contact for other big cheeses aka the Board and CSR

Email: miles@wsta.co.uk

Mr Know It All (but in a good way) – Simon honed his diplomatic skills in Brussels while working as an EU negotiator. He left before Brexit became a thing. But his knowledge of the workings of the EU and beyond make him our not so secret weapon.

If he were a drink what would he be?… A negroni, very continental and one of the punchiest of cocktails out there (but in a good way).

Point of contact for

Brexit, wine importers and the rest!

Email: simon@wsta.co.uk

The Sheriff – In a past life he was Perry Mason of HM Customs and Excise world. An enforcer of policy and regulations. He’s the WSTA bod to go to on how to comply with the rules and let’s face it a raft of other stuff.

If he were a drink what would he be?….A brandy, noble with impressive longevity.

Point of contact for HMRC, logistics and fraud

Email: david@wsta.co.uk

The diamond in the ruff – Don’t be deceived by her mild approachable manner if you put a foot out of line she will HR the hell out of you (can I still say that)? Gem looks after the WSTA coffers and keeps everyone in order.

If she were a drink what would she be?….A tequila. A truly impressive drink, you know when you’ve had a shot and you might even find a (book)worm at the end of the bottle.

Point of contact for

Membership, finance and HR

Email: gemma@wsta.co.uk

The Hack – Brings with her the good stuff that a career in Fleet Street instils and some of the fun stuff which makes people stop and listen to what the WSTA have to say.

If she were a drink what would she be?…A Bloody Mary, dial up the tabasco it has to pack a punch. Don’t forget the stick of celery to stir things up.

Point of contact for media, sector promotion and campaigns

Email: lucy@wsta.co.uk

The Doc – The one with the brains. Jen cut her teeth as Analytical Biochemist choosing to do a phd in looking at the health benefits of red wine. What’s not to like!

If she were a drink what would she be?…Red wine of course! A pinot noir with soft tannins, rarely blended with no roughness.

Point of contact for technical policy

Email: jennifer@wsta.co.uk

Deputy Sheriff – She learned her craft in Trading Standards and now helps David keep members on the straight and narrow when it comes to the wild west of wine and spirit labelling and compliance.

If she were a drink what would she be?….A Red Dragon, a cocktail made with Welsh gin finished with a Snapdragon flower. Don’t let the dulcet Welsh tones lull you into a false sense of security, she gets fiery over GDPR compliance.

Point of contact for labelling, licensing and GDPR

Email: kelly@wsta.co.uk

Bex-it (she loves it when we call her that!) – Bex is the one stop shop for all your Brexit questions. She’s done her time in Westminster and using her specialist skills in remaining cool, calm and collected she has pulled on her waders to guide members through the Brexit bog.

If she were a drink what would she be?….. Whisky on the rocks. Straight up and strong, no need to dilute it’s perfectly balanced.

Email: rebekah@wsta.co.uk

The Colonel – Jess plans the WSTA events with military precision. Nothing stands in her way of making an event a success. Don’t argue with her she’s got awards to prove she’s the best and their heavy bits of glassware.

If she were a drink what would she be? A rum, relied on in battle by sailors and pirates alike. Rebellious and bold and will always be on the winning side.

Point of contact for events, membership, design and IT.

Email: jessica@wsta.co.uk

The Influencer – Her inquisitive mind and BBC research background means that she can drill down into data and interviews to pluck out insights that will bring new meaning to drinks trends.

If she were a drink what would she be?… A Kir Royale – With an effervescent smile that brings joy to our office. Her sophisticated analysis, splash of colour and powerful finish has lifted the WSTA market report to another level.

Point of contact for Market Report, Research and Insights.

Email: davina@wsta.co.uk

Tigger – He’s the bouncy one who wins over MP’s and more crucially those behind the scenes in Parliament. Mr Fixit Freddie is all over it.

If he were a drink what would he be?…A pina colada with all the trimmings, the heart and soul of the party with plenty of pizazz, adds a splash of colour that will liven things up.

Point of contact for environmental and UK and Devolved Policy, campaigns and campaigns and the Wine and Spirits APPG

Email: freddie@wsta.co.uk

Office wizard – Sam makes it all work. No matter what the problem Sam will wave her wand shout Expelliarmus and magically the issue goes away. She is loyal, patient, true and unafraid to toil a true Hufflepuff and if you haven’t guessed a Harry Potter nut.

If she were a drink what would she be? A Margarita, one of the most popular cocktails for a good reason. It combines the tang of lime, the sweetness of orange liqueur with the distinctive strength of tequila it’s a very happy mix.

Point of contact for Events, website and WSTA database.

Email: samantha@wsta.co.uk

Email: samuel@wsta.co.uk

Email: harriet@wsta.co.uk

Email: franco@wsta.co.uk
Telephone: 07511177608

The Conductor – Her skill lies in remaining calm while she makes the orchestration of organising Miles’s diary look simple. Everyone slots into place when she takes up the baton. Don’t mess with the conductor she won’t put up with someone playing out of tune!

If she were a drink what would she be? Rum Punch – Her ability to throw light and dark into the mix and come out with a fruity blend that everyone enjoys is a wonder. Nothing ruffles her feathers and she brings a punchy but sweet flavour to the role.

Point of contact Miles’s diary, PA support and meetings.

Email: amani@wsta.co.uk