Work in Progress (WIP) was set up by Brewgooder founders James Hughes and Alan Mahon last year with the ambition of creating a more inclusive beer industry, starting with themselves and the Brewgooder brand. The vision is to bring individuals, organisations, and brewers together to share their ideas of what progress looks like, one that is action-based, driving for positive industry change. Transparency and self awareness play a huge part in the WIP ethos, the only ask is that those who sign up share what actions they’ve taken.
As a team, Brewgooder has been participating in National Inclusion Week for the first time this week. Each day has had a theme, with today’s theme of ‘Empower and Recognise’ marking the perfect time for an exciting announcement...
“When we started Brewgooder's Work in Progress journey, we wanted to make Brewgooder a more inclusive, more diverse, and more representative place to work”, says Alan. “We envisaged a long journey where we'd build a place to work where everyone felt comfortable in being their truest self, building on this a culture of mutual respect. We knew we couldn't lead this ourselves in a meaningful and credible way.
Instead, we wanted to empower those with lived experience in the areas that we wanted to see improvement in. They would be supported in leading the organisation, setting the agenda whilst we, as founders, work to ensure that we do our best to implement their policies and programmes. It's our pleasure to hand over the reins of our WIP platform to our Chair Thanuja Simmons and Vice-Chair Harrie Kelly.”
Both Thanuja and Harrie joined the Brewgooder team this summer, in sales and marketing roles. They have a shared passion for becoming agents of change in the beer industry, and are keen to get stuck in with the Work in Progress mission.
Picking up the baton, Thanuja says: “I’m honoured to become Chair of WIP, looking forward to working with Harrie to help make our industry more inclusive and diverse, reflecting the consumers, customers and communities we’re in, ensuring that everyone feels like they belong, are listened to, and included”.
Harrie adds: “I love what WIP is all about. We’re not Diversity & Inclusion professionals, we’re beer lovers who want to do what we can to make our industry a better place to be. It’s about learning as we go, sharing ideas and ambitions, unafraid to get things wrong along the way! I’m chuffed to be part of this.”
The next 12 months will build upon the foundation that’s been laid for this initiative, and we’re delighted to announce the involvement of Helen Thompson as our Independent Member of the Work In Progress group. With a vast amount of experience in managing and supporting purpose-driven brands, such as TOMS, Helen’s input will be invaluable, guiding our efforts and helping to hold us accountable for our promises.
As always, our door is open — Work in Progress is a collaborative process. If you’re interested in getting involved or have any suggestions for us, we’d love to hear from you at hello@workinprogress.beer. Here’s to an incredible first few months!
