Andrew Lawrence, recently appointed as sales and operations director for Scotland at Molson Coors, is one of the biggest supporters of the SLTA. Karen Peattie reports
FOR Molson Coors’ recently appointed sales and operations director Andrew Lawrence, Scotland’s licensed trade is a very interesting place just now. “The only constant is change,” he says. “As suppliers, we need a strong on-trade and we need to support our trade association.”
Wise words indeed from Lawrence, who moved from Diageo to replace Hugo Mills as sales and operations director for Scotland at Molson Coors just over three months ago. “I’d been at Diageo for 13 years but when this opportunity presented itself it I couldn’t turn it down,” says Lawrence.
“Having been at Diageo for so long it’s a culture shock, I suppose you could say,” he continues. “It’s a big change for me but my commitment to the SLTA hasn’t changed and in the same way that Diageo is a big supporter of the trade association so is Molson Coors and we’re delighted to be part of it.”
Lawrence believes that healthy debate on the various issues affecting the licensed trade – whatever your views – are crucial. “It’s important to have a robust debate about the issues of the day,” he says. “At a time when there is so much legislation being implemented it’s more important than ever to have honest debate across all sectors of our industry.
“It goes without saying that we won’t always be singing from the same hymn sheet but with key issues like MUP and business rates we need to get them out in the open – we need to talk about them.
“It’s up to suppliers like us to support the SLTA and do what we can to help our pubs, bars and clubs,” says Lawrence. “The SLTA is the voice of the licensed trade but that voice can only be heard if suppliers like us support it.”
He believes that suppliers should give something back to the industry. “Working closely with the SLTA is one way of doing that and I’d like to see more suppliers involved,” says Lawrence. “It sends a message to your customers that you’re on their side too.
“One of the things that has always impressed me about the SLTA is its ability to get right to the heart of the debate of the day,” he continues. “That’s so important to the operators at sharp end of the industry, the people who are busy running their businesses – they have peace of mind knowing that their trade association is fighting their corner.
“There will always be new legislation creeping in and if you’re concentrating on your customers and the day-to-day challenges you’re not necessarily going to be on top of the wider issues that aren’t impacting your business right now but will further down the line. That’s why we need the SLTA.”
A BA Honours graduate in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Robert Gordon University, Lawrence joined Diageo in 2005 and held numerous roles with the global drinks giant. “I was sorry to leave Diageo but this is an exciting new challenge for me,” he says.
“Molson Coors has been working very hard to forge stronger relationships with customers and we’ll continue to work hard,” Lawrence continues. “We’ve got fantastic brands – Carling, Staropramen, Pravha and Rekorderlig to name just a few – and there’s a lot of exciting activity coming up over the next few months.”
That activity includes the Edinburgh Festival, a summer football focus and new product launches. “We’re really excited about our new Rekorderlig range of ciders using botanicals – Rhubarb, Lemon & Mint, Peach & Basil and Grapefruit & Rosemary,” he says.
“The range is an exciting addition to the Rekorderlig portfolio, allowing customers to capitalise on the botanicals trend, with truly unique flavour offerings”
For Andrew Lawrence, the licensed trade is an exciting place to be despite the challenges and ever-evolving legislation that impacts on operators. “I’m looking forward to working with Jim Grierson and Colin Wilkinson in the coming months as they continue the sterling work of Paul Waterson and steer the SLTA on current course.”
Lawrence has recently handed over the presidency of The BEN to Stephen McGowan of TLT Solicitors.