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Thursday, 1st October 2026

Programme

Business of Spirits 2026
Time Session
9.30 - 9.40 

Welcome and Introduction to WCD.

IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER NICK CARR
9.40 – 9.50 

Introduction to the Day and Domestics. “The Programme.”

RICHARD WATLING

9.50 – 10.15 

What’s this all about?. “Building Brand Equity.”

RICHARD WATLING
10.15 – 11.00
Global Spirits Market Trends
CHRIS PITCHER
11.00 - 11.20 Coffee Break: Networking with participants and WCD presenters.  
11.20 – 12.30

Finance and Pricing for Spirits. Brand examples and case studies

NICK CARR

12.30 – 13.20

Segmentation. Covers product, market & consumer differentiation based on case studies and examples of how brand strategy is based on segmentation.

RICHARD WATLING 

13.20

LUNCH AND NETWORKING. One hour for lunch.

14.15 -15.15

Innovation and Development.
A review of innovation of brands and actions taken to market them e.g. guerilla marketing

STEVE WILSON

15.15 – 15.35

Tea and coffee break. Networking with participants and WCD presenters.

15.35 – 16.10  

Starting Up, Funding and Growing a Distillery.

ANDREW PARSONS
16.10 – 17.00

Reflections of Day: Panel Discussion ‘Building Brand Equity’ & Noticeboard Questions.

ALL PRESENTERS – Q&A, chaired by Richard Watling

17.00 – 17.15

Evaluation of Day

CLIVE BAIRSTO

17.15

Move to Drinks at ‘Anchor Tap’