Member Article

Brighton Gin recognised by spirits industry for exceptional work supporting their community during Covid-19

*** Industry presenting awards to distilleries who went above and beyond to support UK and their communities during Covid-19

• Brighton Gin produced and donated sanitiser at the beginning of the pandemic to local shops and key workers, continuing to support hundreds of people
• Peter Kyle MP visited the distillery to present award**

Brighton Gin have been presented with a Community Spirit Award for their work within the community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. To present them with their award, local MP Peter Kyle visited the distillery on 2 October.

Set up by the UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA), a coalition of spirits producers from across the UK, the Awards recognise distilleries like Brighton Gin who have gone above and beyond to help their communities during the COVID crisis.

Brighton Gin, run by Kathy Caton and her team, quickly pivoted production and began manufacturing hand sanitiser from their distillery, answering the call to support their communities in the fight against Covid-19. They produced 75% alcohol hand sanitiser, made in conjunction with skincare specialist AS Apothecary and using all-natural ingredients, to support local key workers, charities and front-line services throughout the pandemic, which was crucial in protecting and supporting the community. Kathy and her team pride themselves in being firmly grounded in and supportive of the local community. Not only did their sanitiser help keep local residents safe, but they also launched their 2020 Pride gin bottle, which raised money for the Rainbow Fund. Under their own “Community Spirit” initiative which they have run for many years, Brighton Gin have supported hundreds of community and charity organisations locally and nationally.

Kathy Caton, Founder of Brighton Gin said: “We are thrilled to have received this award, and were delighted to have our local MP Peter Kyle present us with it, not least as he’s been such an enthusiastic supporter of the project and user of the sanitiser itself! We’re humbled that the industry has recognised our work supporting key workers and organisations during the pandemic.”

Speaking at the award presentation, Peter Kyle MP said “It’s fantastic to have Kathy and her team being recognised for their work during the pandemic. Their provision of hand sanitiser has helped keep Brighton and Hove residents safe, for which I am grateful.”

A spokesperson for the UK Spirits Alliance said: “Distilleries across the UK like Brighton Gin have been supporting their local communities throughout the pandemic, and the Community Spirit Awards is a great way to recognise that. We are delighted that Peter Kyle MP presented this award, and we hope that he will continue his long-standing support for the distillery and the wider industry as we approach a potential Budget”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Brighton Gin .