This is a very special edition of Raising the Glass, not only does Rom sit down with David Beardmore, Non-Exec Director of the Deposit Management Organisation, this episode was recorded at our inaugural Mixer event at The Ministry of Sound.

If you’re a start-up drinks brand wanting to make it onto the shelves of supermarkets, this is a must listen.

In this conversation, David uncorks what Tesco looks for when they’re discovering new brands and entrepreneurs,

At a time when consumers are more conscious, more selective, and more vocal than ever, he argues that the drinks industry must evolve with them not behind them.

Whether you're building a brand, running a venue, or simply curious about the forces that shape what ends up in your glass, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at where the industry is headed next.

Key takeaways

• Emotional connection is becoming one of the biggest drivers of brand loyalty.

• Getting a listing is not the win it’s the starting line.

• Distribution challenges require resilience, creativity, and community.

• Cultural trends shape consumer choices more than ever before.

• Impulse buying is shifting as behaviours and priorities evolve.

• Building a community around your brand is no longer optional.

• Pricing strategies directly influence loyalty and perception.

Would rather watch than listen? This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qDrkrLInRnU

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeardmore/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome to RTG The Tipple where we take a closer look at the people, trends, and ideas reshaping our industry.

In this episode, ROM sits down with two brilliant voices in the world of wine; Producer Sally Evans from Château George 7and Anne Jones from Limestone & Jones, a drinks sustainability consultancy. They’ve set themselves the task of unravelling one of the most misunderstood topics in the drinks world; sustainability.

From organic myths to the realities of large-scale production, the conversation brings much-needed clarity to a subject that’s often clouded by assumptions, marketing labels, and good intentions that don’t always match real-world impact.

They talk about what genuine sustainability actually looks like, and it isn’t organic = good. They dig into the environmental trade-offs, the tension between commercial pressures and ecological responsibility, and why education is the missing piece that could transform how we all drink.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Sustainability isn’t a size issue because big producers can drive big change.

• Why organic wine isn’t always the most sustainable option.

• Climate and region matter because what’s sustainable in one place may be harmful in another.

• Consumer education is essential. People can’t choose better if we don’t tell the full story.

• Commercial reality and sustainability must coexist, but is that possible?

We hope you enjoy our little tipple!

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LINKS & RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyevans06/

https://www.chateaugeorge7.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-jones-wine/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Rom sits down for this must-listen episode with the brilliant Evelyne Brink. A performer, coach, author and all-round spark of energy to explore what confidence, inclusion and genuine human connection really look like today.

Her background is truly different from most coaches. She is one of Europe’s top Madonna impersonators and is now a sought-after leadership coach. Evelyne does not hold back talking about relationships, being a mum of children with medical challenges, being your “extra” self, and why creating spaces where people feel seen is the foundation of real leadership.

And in a world increasingly influenced by AI, Evelyne reminds us why nothing can replace the heartbeat of human connection.

Whether you’re rooted in the drinks world or simply passionate about helping people thrive, this conversation is a vibrant toast to courage, community, and choosing to show up as who you really are.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Confidence vs performance, of course they’re linked, but how to extract them?

• Evelyn’s journey from Madonna impersonator to leadership coach

• How societal expectations influence how we grow and who we become

• The importance of finding your tribe and building supportive networks

• Leadership is about moving people, not managing them

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynebrink/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome to The Tipple: Raising the Glass’ short pour where we take a closer look at the people, trends, and ideas shaping our industry.

In this episode, ROM chats with Maria Murphy, a recruitment consultant with over 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Maria shares her insights into career development for women, opening up about the realities of breaking through barriers, building confidence, and owning your value in competitive spaces.

From self-promotion and resilience to the art of networking and mentorship, Maria explores what it really takes to thrive, and how emotional intelligence can turn challenges into stepping stones for success. She also shines a light on the gender pay gap and the importance of diverse teams in driving innovation and growth.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Don’t self-select yourself out of the process: back yourself!

• You’ve got fantastic experience: highlight your achievements.

• Confidence and self-belief can change the course of your career.

• Transferable skills and a willingness to learn are your greatest assets.

• Experience from every role adds value: make it count.

• Networking and mentorship are key to moving forward.

• Addressing the gender pay gap starts with empowerment and visibility.

We hope you enjoy our little tipple!

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LINKS & RESOURCES

Connect with Maria Murphy https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamurphy1/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Setting up a successful brewery is no mean feat in any location, but doing just that in occupied territory is many times harder. Host Rom speaks with Madees Khoury, the first female brewer in the Middle East.

In this episode we hear about Madees’ inspiring journey in continuing her family’s legacy at Taybeh Brewing Company in Palestine.

Madees shares the challenges of running a microbrewery under very challenging circumstances and the resilience required to thrive in an environment shaped by both cultural and political pressures.

She reflects on the importance of family support, the power of collaboration, including her work with Brewgooder, and the passion that drives her to create beer that connects people and communities.

This conversation explores representation, heritage, and perseverance, offering a window into how one woman is breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in the brewing world.

This episode at a glance:

• Madees is the first and only female brewer in the Middle East.

• Running a brewery in Palestine comes with unique and ongoing challenges.

• Family support has been essential in overcoming obstacles.

• Collaboration with Brewgooder pushed Madees to innovate beyond her comfort zone.

• Resilience and passion drive her work and leadership.

• Beer is more than a product, it’s a medium for connection and conversation.

• Her heritage and family legacy continue to inspire her path.

• Perseverance and purpose are key to success in craft brewing.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madees-khoury-88b44a20/

https://taybehbeer.com/

https://www.brewgooder.com/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome to The Tipple; Raising the Glass’ short pour, where we take a closer look at the people, trends and ideas shaping our industry.

In this episode, Rom chats with Denise Hamilton-Mace, who brings over two decades of hospitality experience to the fast-growing world of low and no alcohol drinks.

Denise is the host of The Low No Drinker Podcast and founded the Low No Drinker Magazine.

Denise shares how her own journey during the pandemic opened the door to this space, and why choice, not replacement, are at the heart of the movement. From shifting consumer perceptions to the evolving role of hospitality, they talk about innovation and the language shaping how we see “low and no.”

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Denise’s 24-year career in hospitality and what drew her to low/no during the pandemic

• Why the availability, and quality, of alcohol-free drinks has improved dramatically

• The role of health and wellness trends in changing drinking culture

• Why open-mindedness is key when trying low and no options

• How language and marketing can make or break a category

• Inspiring stories from founders pioneering the low and no space

• Why inclusivity matters for social experiences and the future of hospitality

We hope you enjoy our little tipple!

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisehamiltonmace/

https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mindful-drinking-moderation-in-midlife-low-no-drinker/id1701338793

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

As Raising the Glass continues its journey into theheart of leadership and community, this episode explores what it means to lead with authenticity, balance, and courage.

Host Rom sits down with Alice Bufton-Thorneycroft,director at Harvey Thorneycroft Ltd, to reflect on the power of connection in leadership. From the Brilliant Minds programme to the role of wellness and mentorship, Alice shares stories and tips on dealing with a fixed mindset, thedifference between danger and fear and learning from those who walked before you.

They also explore how feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable, can be the greatest gift for personal, professional growth and how there’s never just one “right answer”, there can be many.

This is an episode is a reminder that careers, like life,are best lived holistically.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The lessons mentors can leave that last a lifetime
• Practical tips on how to overcome a fixed mindset
• Dealing with fear, from the perspective of a bomb disposal expert
• Owing your own development – and how important that is
• Why challenging your own narrative opens the door to growth

Whether you’re inside the drinks world or someone simplycurious about how to grow with purpose, this episode is a celebration of authenticity, courage, and raising a glass to leadership done differently.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-bufton-thorneycroft-86872223/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Time for another short, in our accompanying series TheTipple! Rom sits down with Greg Morley, HR Thought Leader and Author of BOND: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion and Connection.

They explore the threads that hold us together,even when those threads are strained and perhaps at odds with our own beliefs.

From navigating career challenges to the power ofreflection, Greg shares stories and insights on how being present and intentional in our relationships can change not just our own paths, but those around us.

They also talk about the importance of diversity inorganisations, why failures are vital for growth, and how leadership is less about managing and more about developing people. At its heart, this episode isa reminder that our greatest legacy lies in the lives we touch.

Here’s what you’ll take away:
• Why being present helps us appreciate our true impact
• How conversations can bridge gaps and foster understanding
• Why failure is an essential ingredient for growth
• How leadership should be focused on developing others
• How every individual has the power to change someone’s world

First time with Raising the Glass? Be sure to join thecommunity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560504959132

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmorley/
https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/