Collaboration between the SLTA and Scottish Bartenders Network (SBN) is set to be further strengthened in 2018 as the two groups work together on a number of projects.
The Scottish Bartenders Network joined forces with the SLTA in 2015 as part of the strategy to modernise the association and reach out to the people who are the face of our industry – the men and women behind the bar.
Martin Duffy, who formed the SBN in 2011 to help connect the licensed trade’s younger generation who want to learn and network, said becoming part of the SLTA had opened up many more opportunities, including free SLTA membership to all personal licence holders.
“A lot of people involved in the industry aren’t owners of premises so giving them an opportunity to be an SLTA member helps them get more involved as well as providing a means of getting information about what’s going on,” said Martin.
“There are obviously a lot of challenges facing our industry but it’s also an exciting time to be involved – the licensed trade is evolving so it makes absolute sense to be working in collaboration with Scotland’s most capable institutions and Government bodies to help better represent the frontlines of our industry.”
Martin, owner of mobile bar firm Solid Liquids, continued: “We’ve been working hard to create this framework and network to better represent our profession for the past few years and in 2018 we’ll be expanding our reach to seven regions across Scotland.”
Brands, he said, are keen to engage with bar managers and bartenders who want to try something new and have great ideas. “This is a creative and dynamic industry that is increasingly driven by people with modern ideas – this in turn attracts young people who perhaps never previously considered a career in the licensed trade or hospitality industry.
“It’s a great place to work with lots of opportunities for people with a can-do attitude and broader vision. Together, the SLTA and SBN can harness that talent and enthusiasm through training and working with suppliers, and communicating information in more ways than we have previously, including social media channels.
“There’s room for both youth and experience in Scotland’s licensed trade and the partnership between the SLTA and Scottish Bartenders Network is the perfect conduit to bring both together.”
Look out for Martin Duffy’s new column in Trade Talk in the New Year.