James Clay and Sons
Andy Gilpin is an experienced account manager currently working at James Clay and Sons since September 2017. Prior to this role, Andy served as the Northern Sales Manager at Meantime Brewing Company, promoting products across Northern England. Experience in the hospitality industry includes positions as The Beer Guy at Sandinista Leeds, focusing on beer purchasing and training, and Assistant General Manager at both The Reform Bar and Call Lane Social, overseeing bar operations. Andy's career began in 2004 at West Yorkshire Playhouse as a Senior Attendant and later Coffee Shop Manager. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Sheffield Hallam University and A Levels in Law, Economics & Business, and English from Notre Dame Sixth Form College.
James Clay and Sons
Independent, family owned importers and distributors of craft and specialist beers from Europe, the United States and worldwide. CURATION We don’t just import beers. We don't just move them from A to B. We go and find them, wherever they are in the world. And when we find them, we drink. And the ones we love stay found. They come home with us, and into the pubs, bars and bottle shops we work with. Because our portfolio is not a product list, it’s a labour of love. It’s the heart and soul of the business. EXPERTISE When the business started there was just one man, Ian Clay. And he started this business because he knew great beer when he tasted it - and he wanted others to know too. In other words, he wanted to share his passion. And that’s still how we work today. We share beer, but we also share our knowledge, our expertise and our opinion on what makes for a great bottle, can, schooner or pint. For those customers who care about beer like we do, it’s all part of the service. CONVEYANCING The art of getting the good stuff to exactly where it needs to be, exactly when it needs to be there, is one we take seriously. Our founder was a publican, so he knows that great beer can only be only great beer if it turns up. More than that, if it arrives as scheduled, in perfect nick, just outside your bar, pub or shop with drayman who know how to handle a keg. We hold ourselves to that standard.