The Drinks Trust welcomes three new patrons

Industry charity The Drinks Trust has introduced three new patrons to the organisation to help it reach new audiences.

The Drinks Trust has named Ian Harris MBE, Andy Clarke and Helen McGinn as its new patrons.

Harris previously held the position of CEO for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), before the organisation brought on Michelle Brampton to serve as its new chief executive, as well as appointing four new board members. He has also spent time as global marketing manager for Cognac house Martell in his career.

Harris said: “I was delighted and honoured to be asked to become a patron of The Drinks Trust at a time when I am stepping down as CEO of WSET.

“The work of the charity has always been close to my heart, and I know many people who have been helped in so many ways during my 45-year career in the industry. Their work plays a crucial role to ensure that people in this industry are supported, at the time when they most need it.”

Meanwhile, Clarke is experienced in food, drink and travel, and was responsible for producing and directing Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip for ITV.

In 2020, he joined ITV’s This Morning as a cocktail expert, and currently features on ITV’s Love your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh as a food, wine and drinks expert.

Clarke commented: “The multi-layered support that The Drinks Trust provides is incredible and I can’t wait to help make a difference to those who need it.

“I am particularly keen to help those who need support with their wellbeing in order to keep our drinks industry family happy and healthy.”

McGinn is a drinkers writer for the Daily Mail’s Femail Magazine and Waitrose Food Magazine.

She added: “The trade has been good to me for many years so I’m particularly keen to help with initiatives for those wanting to further develop their careers in the world of drinks.”

McGinn is also a former winner of the Fortnum & Mason Online Drinks Writer award.

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “We are honoured and thrilled to welcome Andy, Ian and Helen as new patrons of our charity. As we continue to support the drinks hospitality industry, working with Andy, Ian, Helen and all our existing patrons, we hope to be able to deliver our services to a wider audience and, in turn, have a significant impact on the lives and careers of our workforce in the coming months and years.”

Last month, The Drinks Trust began accepting applications for Develop, a new vocational programme launched in partnership with Campari Group UK and Moët Hennessy UK.