Joe Dick Receives Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers' Mash Paddle

On Saturday, 5th of September, Joe Dick (Marketing and Communications Manager) will be inaugurated into the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewer’s Mash Paddle.

Joe joins his colleagues Ian Clay, Nigel Stevenson, and James Clay in receiving the honour established to recognise those that have made exceptional contributions in the development of Belgian beer.

“When I joined James Clay and Sons back in 2016 I was immediately taken by the photograph of Ian receiving his knighthood, and instantly set that as a long term goal of mine. I’m truly delighted that our efforts in marketing Belgian beer in the UK have been well received, and we continue to grow it each year, despite the pressures within the industry."

"While I will receive this honour, I couldn’t do so without the enormous work and support of all my colleagues, friends, and family over the years, and I do truly view it as recognition of everything we all do together”.

James Clay and Sons have been importing Belgian beer to the UK since our inception back in 1978, with founder Ian Clay looking to offer the British consumer a taste of the wider world of beer, at a point in time when UK brewery consolidation was rampant and consumer choice at an all time low. 50 years later the beer industry landscape is different, but the mission remains the same, to champion a beer world where quality and culture thrives.

On Joe’s knighthood, Chairman Ian Clay comments “Joe has had great success launching our UK Belgian Beer Week, further promoting the special world of Belgian Beer and the unique styles and flavour they offer. Over the past decade Joe has worked hard to promote and educate British consumers and we are very proud that he is to receive this well deserved Knighthood”.

Managing Director, James Clay adds "This recognition from the Belgian Brewers Guild is a fitting tribute to someone who has dedicated so much of his career to championing Belgian beer, the breweries behind it, and the rich culture that makes Belgium one of the world's great brewing nations.

At James Clay and Sons, we believe in a beer world where beer quality and culture thrives, and few people embody that vision more than Joe. Over more than a decade with our business, he has become one of the UK's leading authorities on Belgian beer, tirelessly promoting some of Belgium's most respected, distinctive and characterful breweries. His passion, knowledge and commitment have helped countless customers and consumers discover the depth, heritage and diversity of Belgian brewing.

This award recognises not only Joe's expertise, but also the genuine respect and relationships he has built within the Belgian brewing community over many years. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and grateful for the role he continues to play in strengthening the connection between Belgian brewers and beer lovers in the UK."

The Union of Belgian Brewers administers the Knighthood, and their origins go all the way back to the 14th century, making them one of the oldest guilds in the world. To receive aknighthood, one must be nominated by an existing member from a brewery, and for this nomination to receive further support from other members.

Amaury Kervyn, Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck Export Manager, “Joe is a true ambassador of the spirit of Belgian Beer, working with positivity, creativity, and friendship. I’m truly happy to see that the Belgian Federation welcomes him as a knight”.

Karel Boon, Brouwerij Boon “Many people have contributed to selling Belgian beer in the UK, but Joe stands out from that group of people as he doesn’t just sell Belgian beer, he promotes it. He knows what is done by Belgian brewers to create that drink in your glass and he does the effort to try and explain this to professionals and beer enthusiasts in the UK.”