The Guild’s Board would like to thank all members for joining us at last night’s AGM and to share a few updates from the meeting on the proposed special resolution, the election of Directors and more.
Proposed Special Resolution
In advance of the AGM, the Board proposed a special resolution that the British Guild of Beer Writers’ Articles of Association be amended to include cider as well as beer. The name of the Guild is to remain unchanged.
Any changes to our Articles require a special resolution to be voted on and passed by 75% or more of the voting members (either present or by proxy). Thus, the Board tabled this at the AGM for the Guild’s consideration.
The results were 42 votes ‘for’ and 11 votes ‘against’ with no abstentions, so the special resolution passed with 79% of the vote.
For more information on the changes, please read the Board’s full proposal here.
Election of Directors
The following directors retired by rotation: Jacopo Mazzeo, Kate Oppenheim and Neil Walker. Jonny Garrett, as a co-opted director, must also retire. This left us with four vacancies on the Board.
Jacopo, who chose to step down this year, was thanked for his many contributions to the Board over the years.
Kate, Neil and Jonny were re-elected, alongside Joanne Steward. The first meeting of the new Board will be held on Monday, August 1st.
Other updates
Director Neil Walker shared news of the recently launched commissioning form on the Guild’s website, which can be used by corporate members, publications and other businesses to submit work opportunities specifically for Guild members. Submitted opportunities will be posted on the ‘Membership Area’ of the Guild website.
Director David Jesudason announced the Guild’s new Diversity in Beer Writing Grant which was launched in partnership with the publication Good Beer Hunting. The grant is open to U.K.-based writers and journalists, both current and aspiring, and will platform and highlight stories that celebrate diversity and inclusion within beer, pubs, and the wider hospitality industry. Find more information on the grant and how to apply here.
Reports from all other directors are available on the 2022 AGM event page and minutes from the AGM will be circulated next week.
Lastly, the Board would like to thank Director Pete Brown for stepping in to chair the AGM at the last minute, as our Chair Emma Inch is currently unwell with Covid. We wish Emma a speedy recovery.
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For any further information, please contact secretary@beerguild.co.uk