New team at The BEN as Diageo’s Andrew Lawrence steps up as president and the SLTA’s Paul Waterson is appointed patron
NEW president of The BEN, the charity that helps former and current employees of the Scottish licensed trade facing hardship, is Diageo’s Andrew Lawrence. Stephen McGowan of TLT Solicitors has been elected vice-president with SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson appointed patron.
In his new role, Lawrence will head the charity’s board and drive operational strategy, working closely with chief executive Chris Gardner to optimise fundraising and the delivery of services for beneficiaries.
Lawrence, a national account controller with Diageo, takes on the role following a year as The BEN’s vice-president where he supported outgoing president Sue Buchanan in her initiatives to modernise the charity and increase the number of people receiving support. He said it was “a real honour to be elected as president for such a worthwhile cause supporting our industry”.
“I’ve been involved in The BEN for three years now and it is incredibly rewarding working alongside others in the industry to support Scotland’s licensed trade across a variety of areas, whether that’s helping out at a fundraising event or supporting a dinner,” said Lawrence.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing with the charity in my new role, working alongside a talented and dedicated group of fellow directors.
“Sue has done a fantastic job as president, continuing to build the profile of The BEN among a varied audience – there is a great opportunity to further this to increase the number of people we help.”
Reiterating Lawrence’s praise of Sue Buchanan’s sterling efforts, Gardner said: “Sue has done a fabulous job during her time as president and I’d like to thank her for her tremendous efforts and dedication over the past year. I know she’ll remain involved through her role as immediate past-president and her contributions will continue to be extremely beneficial moving forward.
“It’s been another busy year for The BEN and we are looking forward to further driving this awareness with Andrew and the rest of the team. With Andrew’s enthusiasm and commitment to the industry, we’re sure it’s going to be a strong start for everyone involved.”
The BEN, which offers social, financial and emotional support to former and current members of the licensed trade facing difficulties in life, assists people of all ages who have worked full-time in the sector for at least three years. It can provide beneficiaries with discretionary financial support or one-off grants for emergency situations.
It also owns the BEN Pitlochry Estate where it provides accommodation for current and retired members of the industry as well as “Respitality” breaks for carers.
Find out more about The Ben at www.bensoc.org.uk
Image: The BEN’s past-president Sue Buchanan with, from left, new president Andrew Lawrence, vice-president Stephen McGowan and Paul Waterson, patron