WineGB is hosting its first Diversity & Inclusion Conference as part of its focus to support growers and producers to promote and increase equality and inclusion in the wine industry of Great Britain.

The online conference, taking place on Tuesday 10 February (9.30am-12.30pm), aims to inspire a greater understanding of, and confidence in, developing an inclusive, diverse and equitable business within the sector. The content will also include industry specific case studies and outline next steps in adopting the right principles to drive businesses of all sizes forward.

The conference has attracted an impressive line-up of speakers, including Leyla Okhai, CEO and founder of Diverse Minds, Scott Carruthers Regional Sales Manager at Moët Hennessy and Kirsten Macleod, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Consultant to organisations in the wine and drinks industry.

The conference is open to those working within the UK’s wine industry as well as its many suppliers and is not limited to WineGB members.

WineGB set up its Diversity & Inclusion working group last year to develop greater awareness in this key issue and to cultivate a more proactive approach within the industry, recognizing that this is an area of international importance. The working group, chaired by Lynsey Verrillo of Blackbook Winery comprises a number of industry peers and experts in this field.

Lynsey Verrillo, Chair of WineGB’s Diversity & Inclusion Work Group, said:
“WineGB’s recently formed D&I working group was created from the need to foster an environment of inclusion and equity within the UK wine industry. No matter the business size, a shared effort will allow us to build a better industry to work in, and an industry that is increasingly reaching more wine consumers in the UK due to its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. We’re right at the beginning of our journey, but we’re collectively committed to listen, learn and take actions that can drive an evolution in our overall industry and individual businesses.”

WineGB Chair, Sam Linter added:
“As the UK’s industry body for winemakers and grape growers, it’s time WineGB actively demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting opportunities for people regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or race. I look forward to our industry working together in creating an inclusive, forward-thinking and desirable place to work. There is a lot of work ahead, but our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion is unwavering and together we can use the power of our businesses to effect change.”

To attend, register on https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G76mVnaJQWmCJbqAz7g8NA.

Further information on the conference is available on the WineGB website

ENDS

For more information please contact
Julia Trustram Eve, WineGB – tel: 07775 760451; email julia@winegb.co.uk

About WineGB
Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. WineGB’s mission is to advance the multiple interests of all its members to establish Great Britain as one of the world’s great quality wine regions.

WineGB’s Diversity and Inclusion mission is to promote and increase equality and inclusion within the English and Welsh wine industry. We aim to increase access to educational and employment opportunities across under-represented groups, and to be inclusive and welcoming to all sectors of society interested in wine.