Record award for distillery employee from Simpsons Malt and IBD

We are delighted to announce Diageo Global Supply Process Support Specialist Peter Milne as this year’s recipient of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) Simpsons Malt Award.

The award recognises Peter’s success in achieving the highest percentage mark in the Diploma in Distilling Module One Examination for 2017 and completing all three modules in just 12 months instead of the outlined three years.

Based in Elgin, Peter is responsible for analysing and improving the efficiency of the mashing, fermentation and distilling processes.  A recent entrant in to the brewing and distilling industry, Peter was keen to expand on his training and was encouraged by his employer to take on the diploma.

Speaking about the award, Richard Simpson, Vice Chairman of Simpsons Malt commented: “Recognising talent in this way is paramount to the development of the brewing and distilling industry and we are very proud to be associated with the IBD.  As maltsters, it is great to see such passion and knowledge in the industry right now.  We wish Peter all the success in his future career.”

Peter Milne, Process Support Specialist at Diageo, added: “With no prior distilling experience, training has been absolutely essential for my current role.  The diploma has been hugely beneficial to my role already, helping to make judgements grounded by the tools and methods that have been learned and adapted by the brewing and distilling industries over the years.

“For people keen to start a career in the distilling industry I would absolutely recommend getting out to see the process in action and ask questions, lots of questions.”

Speaking about brewing qualifications, Dr. Jerry Avis, IBD Chief Executive Officer concluded: “We, at the IBD, believe that everyone has the right to access continual professional development and to that end we provide the content and support for maltsters, brewers, distillers and cider makers to achieve their professional goals. In a business environment which is increasingly global and super competitive the attainment of an IBD qualification that has international recognition really helps an individual stand out from the competition with benefits often impacting entire careers. Equally important is the positive effect of training for employers who want to compete by retaining and motivating the very best staff, particularly when study is facilitated in the company of a like-minded community.”

Want to find out more about a career at Simpsons Malt? Click here!