Gin Guild board member and founder of Brighton Gin awarded MBE

We are immensely proud of Gin Guild board member and founder of Brighton Gin Kathy Caton who has been named an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours List for her services to trade and the community.

She joins Desmond Payne, Master Distiller Emeritus at Beefeater Gin, and current Grand Rectifier of the Gin Guild with her MBE.

Kathy says of the award:
“I am absolutely blown away – and genuinely humbled – to have been put forward for the MBE.  I’m particularly touched by the kind things that people have had to say about the role of Brighton Gin in the local community and championing diversity in the workplace and our efforts to start a new industry for Brighton despite all the trials and challenges of recent years.

I’m very proud too to be waving the flag for craft gin and the distilling community, it’s a truly wonderful industry to work in, full of creativity and brilliant people.”

Her team at Brighton Gin added: “What an achievement, and we are so happy for her to receive this amazing recognition. In the last 12 years with Brighton Gin, Kathy has been tireless, kind, engaged, resilient and strong-willed. We are honoured to work with such an inspiring person.”

Pal Gleed, Director General of the Gin Guild joined the praise saying:

Kathy works tirelessly to help, support and grow the #gin industry domestically and internationally with her work with The Gin Guild and the Department for Business and Trade as an #ExportChampion – she believes in that well worn coastal aphorism: a rising tide lifts all boats.

Great to have you onboard Kathy Caton MBE. here’s to 2024. 2023 was a particularly tough year for gin producers and we are so proud and grateful so many have survived. This is a great way to start 2024!!