Awards

North West Education out on Top

The North West Wine and Spirit Association (NWWSA) is toasting its Education Officer, Serena Young, after achieving the highest regional pass rate for the WSET courses.

Appointed 18 months ago, Serena works for the NWWSA ensuring that education is high on the agenda of companies in the North West.  The achievement of a regional pass rate of 95% against a national average of 73% is testament to the hard work and dedication of both Serena and her pupils.  Entrants to the course have come from the hotel sector, bars, wine companies, retailers and glass manufacturers with pupils all passing the courses with flying colours.

“Promoting education is a major objective of the NWWSA; we are proud of the results and the work that Serena has done to both recruit students and educate them in the region.  Her background in the food industry, lecturing and knowledge of the wine industry make her ideal for the role” commented Paul Boutinot, Chairman of the NWWSA.

The next intermediate course runs on 22nd, 29th October and 5th November with the exam on 12th November. To register visit the education section  Serena also offers tailor made courses for businesses, those that want to create a unique course or hold the WSET on site.

Award

 

Quest for the best in the North West

Have you got a favourite local wine shop, one with friendly knowledgeable staff and a great range of wines? If so, why not nominate them for the NW Specialist Wine Retailer of the Year Award.

The introduction of the award in 2008 (click here to see the current winner) was created to highlight the profile of wine retailers in the North West. As Paul Boutinot, Chairman of the NWWSA explained,

” The North West boasts a long history in the wine and spirit trade and has some of the finest wine merchants in the country. It is only fitting that the passion and creativity of these independent specialist wine retailers is acknowledged and rewarded. By establishing this award it helps promote good practice and a real sense of achievement and competitive spirit in a more regionally specific context.”

This year the competition is expected to attract even more entries; not only for the chance to compete for the prestigious title of NW Specialist Wine Retailer of the Year but for the honour and recognition provided by a truly regional award!

To qualify, retailers must specialise in wine, and have fewer than 10 branches, with their head office in the North West. Nominations can be made and entry forms will be available soon.

The competition will be judged by a panel of NW experts. Entries are now in and we can report that 16 companies have been nominated.  The initial round of judging will finish on 23rd October 2009.

Editors Notes

  • The NWWSA covers Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester And North Wales (Clwyd and Gwynedd)
  • A specialist wine retailer us defined as having more than 80% of its turnover from wine
  • The competition will be judged by an independent panel of NW experts
  • The judges will look for retailers that excel in staff knowledge and customer experience, the range of wines and spirits stocked, store environment, innovative marketing and merchandising initiatives
  • Judging will take place in September & October
  • All finalists will receive a certificate with the winner receiving a trophy