Scotch Whisky Association opens London site

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has officially opened its new office in London – the largest permanently staffed site the group has ever held outside of Edinburgh.

Taking place today (3 December), the opening was attended by Elizabeth Truss, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, as well as MPs, ambassadors, think tank members, diplomats and exporters.

The SWA said that in addition to strengthening its links overseas, the office will “develop” relationships across Whitehall and Westminster.

“The Scotch whisky industry is going through a time of expansion,” said David Forst, chief executive of the SWA. “There are now 117 distilleries in Scotland, with seven opening in the last year or so. About 40 new distilleries are currently being planned or built to meet demand for the quality product.

“Our London office, near Westminster, will give us even better access to decision makers in the UK and internationally.”

The new office will create five jobs, however the association’s head quarters will remain in Edinburgh, where it was established more than 100 years ago.

Sarah Dickson, director of global affairs, responsible for the SWA’s international and European Union business, will head up the London office. Previously HM ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras, Dickenson joiuned the SWA earlier this year.

Elizabeth Truss welcomed the opening as marking a “greater collaboration between government and industry to drive UK exports.

“Over the next five years, we want to unleash the potential of Britain’s finest food and drink producers by boosting exports, securing investment and flying the flag for British produce both at home and abroad,” she said.

“We will continue to work closely with the SWA and industry to ensure they have the support, skills and opportunities to take risks and gain access to emerging markets. It is yet more proof of how we are stronger together in the United Kingdom.”

Latest SWA figures have revealed that Scotch exports continued to decline in the first half of this year, however the organisation claimed that a return to growth was “on the horizon”.