CHARLBURY, UK – The British Coffee Association (BCA), has appointed Ian Bryson from Finlay Beverages as the Association’s new Chair. The move comes at a time when the BCA has started to take significant new strides in aligning the industry on key issues surrounding sustainability, responsible sourcing, and the impacts of Brexit.
The Chair will work closely with BCA Executive Director Chris Stemman, who took post in July 2016, and will lead the work of the BCA moving forwards.
Ian is Managing Director for both Finlay Beverages, one of the largest coffee roasters in the UK, and The London Tea Company. His career spans roles with Häagen-Dazs, Nestle, Taylors of Harrogate and Finlay Beverages and he has over 20 years’ experience working across the industry.
Commenting on his new industry role, Ian Bryson says, “As the voice of the UK coffee industry, our role is crucial to help drive and guide our members on key issues affecting British businesses.
We are becoming heavily engaged with the UK Government and wider sector associations over Brexit and will continue to educate, align, and work closely with the industry on significant issues such as sustainability and the environment – which will be at the very heart of the BCA moving forwards.
For all of these reasons it is an exciting time to step up to the position as Chair for the BCA and I look forward to shaping our future and collaborating with the wider UK coffee industry.”
The BCA is working alongside industry sustainability leads to shape a new vision and guiding principles that will support the UK coffee industry in creating a circular economy, driving beyond responsible sourcing, and building long-term resilience for the coffee supply chain.
Additionally, with the imminent triggering of Article 50, the BCA will play a vital role in making sure that the thriving UK coffee industry is heard and is engaged around the key issues of free movement of labour and prospect of tariffs being imposed on EU imports as a result of Brexit.
Ian Bryson will replace Kristine Breminer Isgren from Complete Coffee as Chair, following 2 years in the role.
Kristine has been instrumental in providing the Association with its new direction of travel and has led its overall strategic review from 2016. Ian Bryson, as Chair, and Chris Stemman, as Executive Director, will now play vital roles in bringing this to life throughout 2017 and beyond.
