Tom's Trade Experience
Ten Years in Hospitality
Eight in Brand Trade Sales
Tom started his career in hospitality at fourteen.
His teens saw him progress through kitchens, country pub bars, busy urban bars, catering and events. A journey that culminated in running Spice Restaurant in Woodbridge at nineteen.
At twenty, Tom moved to London and worked at The Club at The Ivy, on West Street, progressing through front of house roles over four years there.
During this time, Tom had stints at Annabel's Cellars and other iconic Caprice sites.
Then, having started his WSETs and fallen in love with wine, he went into brand trade sales.
Sales Director - Ridgeview 2014-2020
Tom developed the trade sales function at the pioneering family business. During his six year tenure Tom lead a highly successful trade strategy that saw Ridgeview become a market-leading brand in the UK on-trade, in key export markets as well as successful development of the pre-existing key Multiple Off Trade relationships such as Laithwaites, Waitrose and M&S
Co-Founder, Director - Glass Half Full 2020 - 2022
Tom co-founded the drinks agency GHF. He was instrumental in recruiting and developing the on-trade strategy for key brands including Sapling Spirits, Punchy Drinks, The Pickle House, Mirabeau Provence Rosé & Gin, Menabrea lager, Wignac cider, Coates & Seely English Sparkling.
Tom's dynamic approach and extensive network within key RTM and UK On-Trade contributed to GHF's swift commercial success and recognition.
Tom exited GHF in 2022 to focus on his increasing media work and balance his work and family commitments. The GHF team and Tom remain close and collaborate on occasion.
Consultancy
Tom continues to consult on an ongoing and specific-project basis for premium, independent drinks brands. At present, these include Artelium and MOTH Drinks.
Tom holds a WSET Diploma
In 2019 Tom was shortlisted for the IWSC Outstanding Achievement In Wine Award
In 2023 Tom was shortlisted for the IWSC Wine Communicator Of The Year Award
Tom's Approach
Tom's approach to trade sales takes a considered, holistic view. A brand's work in the on-trade should re-enforce it's values, ethos and positioning whilst driving it's commercial requirements
Concious
It all starts here.
No scattergun, sell-sell-sell.
Concious of who you are as a brand. Concious of the right partners out there in the trade. Concious of the correct approach
Ecosystem
The trade is an ecosystem.
You're not out there alone.
Respect the value-chain and understand your role within it
Be fair, play the long-game and know when others are not
sustainable
Do good business.
Business that is good now, and
will still be good in two years.
Accounts must align with brand.
Understand your customer's objectives and ambitions.