Two new faces hop onboard at Skinner’s

29 March 2012

Two new sales representatives have joined Skinner’s Brewery. James Pritchard will manage sales in West Cornwall and the North Cornwall coast while Kevin Soper is to cover the Somerset, Bath and Bristol region

Taking over from Louise Skinner, James Pritchard knows the North coast of Cornwall well as he grew up in the county. He lives in Newquay and also has a background in the hospitality sector.

“As a Cornishman, I’m particularly proud to be working for Skinner’s Brewery as its Cornish roots are an integral part of the outfit. It’s a great company to work for because of its family values, and the quality of its beer means that I’m well received by one and all!”

These new appointments mark an ambitious period of expansion by the Truro-based brewery. Chief Executive Steve Skinner is enthusiastic about the progression.

“Despite the tough economic times Skinner’s continues to grow – we exceeded sales of £4 million for the first time last year. Since mid-2009, our ales have been on sale at all Waitrose’s UK stores and we are now also selling in around a quarter of all Tesco’s UK stores. In addition, we have our pre-existing national arrangements through Coors and Wetherspoons.

“These developments have convinced us that we still have a long way to go in terms of tapping our full potential at national level rather than just in our traditional Cornish ‘home territory’.

Appointing Kevin and James is the next step in offering a true taste of Cornwall to a wider audience.”

Kevin has spent his entire career to date in the hospitality industry and is well known around the county as he has also played rugby for Somerset. He is excited about his new role.

“Skinner’s Brewery is now ‘exporting’ its beers out of Cornwall and I’m keen to bring them into my territory. Ales such as Betty Stogs are already well known and well loved so it’s a case of spreading the word and meeting the demand.”

The new sales representatives will be easily recognisable by the ‘Bettymobiles’ that they will drive. The vehicles are Volkswagen T5s which are emblazoned with the characteristic Skinner’s cartoon artwork of Betty Stogs, the ‘Queen of Cornish Ales.’