St Austell Brewery celebrates double success at British Training Awards
- Guild Secretary
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
St Austell Brewery has been recognised with two accolades at the British Training Awards 2026 for its commitment to employee development and career progression.
The independent, family-owned business won Hospitality Initiative of the Year and was also Highly Commended in the Best Reskilling/Upskilling Initiative of the Year category alongside learning partner Thrive.
The awards recognise the success of St Austell Brewery's career progression frameworks, designed to give employees greater ownership of their career development by providing clear pathways for progression, tailored learning opportunities and easier access to skills training. The framework supports employees across its 45-strong managed pub estate across the South West, helping them build skills, access learning when they need it and gain greater visibility of career opportunities available within the company.
Richard Parkes, Senior Learning and Culture Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “We're incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Hospitality offers fantastic career opportunities and these awards reflect our commitment to helping our people build meaningful and rewarding careers. Our career progression frameworks are empowering colleagues to take ownership of their development and progress with confidence.”
The business thanked learning technology partner Thrive for their support in delivering the initiative. The award-winning programme forms part of St Austell Brewery's ongoing commitment to investing in its people and strengthening hospitality as an attractive long-term career choice across the South West.
About St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West's leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.
The company operates two breweries, in St Austell and Warmley (near Bath), following the acquisition of Bath Ales in 2016. Its award-winning beers - including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager - are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
St Austell Brewery owns over 160 pubs across the South West, comprising of 45 managed houses alongside managed operator and leased and tenanted sites that are independently run by business partners.
With a network of six distribution centres across the region, from St Columb to Wimborne, the company is the South West's leading drinks wholesaler. In 2026, it became a majority shareholder in Harbour Brewing Company, expanding Harbour's distribution footprint and making its high-quality craft beers available in St Austell Brewery pubs and for wholesale customers.
Proud of its heritage and inspired by the future, St Austell Brewery is brewing great experiences for generations to come.
For more information:
Charlotte Turner, Press Officer – charlotte.turner@staustellbrewery.co.uk – 07977 564 900
Megan Chuter, Head of Communications – megan.chuter@staustellbrewery.co.uk – 07970 379 690
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