meet the James Clay team

There's no denying that we represent some great beers and beverages, but its the people behind the brands which make James Clay one of the leading names in beer in the UK.

 

Ian Photo

Ian Clay - Managing Director

After successful years behind the bar of his own pub, visiting brewers on the continent and importing beer for his own establishment, Ian took the step to launch James Clay and grow the company to become the foremost specialist beer distributor in the UK. Ian embarks on regular travels throughout Europe and North America, discovering new beers to introduce to the UK consumer.

What gets Ian out of bed? The challenge to see good people enjoy great beers!

 



Andrew Armstrong
- Director (Logistics)

With over 6 years experience managing busy pub/restaurant that specialised in speciality beers, Andrew has been involved in the expansion of James Clay since 1990. He is responsible for the high reputation the company has for service to its wide customer base.

Andrew’s experience is invaluable in the development of distribution logistics and our future plans for specialist beers in the UK.

 


Andrew Asquith - Purchasing Manager

Andrew joined James Clay in 1992 and has helped with company expansion.

He has developed skills in sales logistics ensuring close contact with our increasing customer base. Andrew has also successfully developed our local on-trade business with considerable success with the style bars of Leeds.

 



Nigel Stevenson - Speciality Beer Consultant

One of the leading authorities on specialist beer in the UK, Nigel has seen the industry evolve over more than 20 years.

In this time, he has revitalised and operated a pub in the English Lake District (including establishing their own award winning brewery), travelled extensively in search of the best in speciality beer and has delivered key-note presentations to organisations such as the American Brewers Guild.

 


Bruce Virgo - Sales Manager (North)

Bruce has built a career within the Licensed Trade industry: starting as sales manager with S & N, he moved to Holsten and helped develop the PPL market at a time when there were no imported brands in the UK.

Bruce joined James Clay in 2003 to launch Looza Premium Juice in the UK. Building on this success Bruce now supports all our brands at all levels of trade from multiple pub groups to wholesalers, both regional and national.