Brains brewery’s Head of Marketing, Sara Leigh Webber, has been shortlisted as Industry Champion of the Year at the first Women in Beer awards.
The Women in Beer awards have been set up to celebrate and champion women who shape the beer and brewing industry in the UK, and Sara is just one of four women who have been shortlisted in this prestigious category.
She was nominated for the award by an anonymous industry colleague, who wrote:
“An industry champion is someone who not only understands beer, but understands people – the drinkers, the brewers, the communities, and the policymakers – and brings them together for the greater good. In 2025, that description fits Sara Leigh Webber perfectly.
“For her unwavering advocacy, her leadership in a challenging political landscape, her championing of quality ales, and her commitment to the future of Welsh brewing, Sara deserves to be recognised as the Industry Champion of the Year.”
Sara is also the Regional Director of the Society of Independent Brewers in Wales (SIBA), the first year it has been an independent region. She represents small brewers on both national and Welsh issues, such as the proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – which will have a big impact on Welsh brewing.
Sara said:
“It has been humbling to read the nomination that was submitted – to know that my work both with Brains and SIBA is recognised and appreciated by one of my peers is wonderful and moving.
“We have a thriving, innovative and exciting brewing industry here in Wales, one that is bucking UK trends and is still growing – albeit slowly – and we have to do all we can to support it and ensure that it is here for the next generation.”
Sara added:
“I am very proud to work in this industry and very proud to be shortlisted for this award with other amazing women in our industry. Whatever happens on the night, I’ll be raising a pint of Reverend James Reserve to celebrate.”
The awards will take place on October 28th in London.
