Theakston raises a toast to new starters

Yorkshire-based brewery, T&R Theakston is starting 2023 with a trio of new hires as the family-owned brewery targets further growth.

The Masham-based business has added three to its head count. Helen Barrett joins as a national account executive, alongside Ben Parkinson and Hayley Dodds-Baddon who join the business as sales development manager and visitor centre manager respectively.

Helen brings a wealth of experience in the drinks industry, having spent time eight years at Heineken and most recently working with independent whisky bottler, blender and distiller, Douglas Laing and Co. This experience in the spirits industry will see Helen lead on the brewery’s work in the sector which includes the recently launched Theakston Spirit of Old Peculier and a collaboration with Ellers Farm Distillery on a new Yorkshire whisky.

Ben joins bringing a wealth of retail experience with him, having worked at Tesco for over 20 years. He will be responsible for growing Theakston’s existing presence in North Yorkshire and Teesside, areas where the business already has strong distribution thanks to its partnerships with Provenance Inns, Black Rose Pubs, Star Pubs and Bars, LWC, Tate Smith and Sunset Wines in Scarborough.

Hayley who previously worked in marketing and is a qualified primary school teacher joins Theakston to lead on its Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre receives around 18,000 visitors each year and allows fans the opportunity to delve into the almost 200-year history of Theakston and learn the story of its iconic tower brewery, one of the last remaining in the country.

Commenting on the appointments, joint managing director Simon Theakston, said: “In 2022 we sought to drive the business forward under difficult trading circumstances and as we move forward in 2023 with further growth plans, I’m delighted to welcome Helen, Ben and Hayley to our team. After a turbulent start to the decade, everyone at Theakston is excited for the year ahead as we prepare to launch seven seasonal beers, announce new partnerships and continue with preparations for our second centenary in 2027.

“Although there remain economic challenges for not just the beer industry but the whole country, the truth remains that people always enjoy coming together, whether to share in the good times or rally together in the face of adversity. With these latest appointments, we hope to bring our ales of distinction to even more customers and share with them our vision that for Theakston, it’s always been more than just a pint.”