Brighton Gin boss awarded MBE
Kathy Caton, Founder and Managing Director of Brighton Gin has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list for services to trade and to the community in Brighton.
From humble beginnings back in 2012, Kathy's company has made huge strides and now employs seven full time staff as well as supporting an increasing supply chain. The business exports successfully to 7 markets, including Australia and North America with more in the pipeline. As a vocal supporter of the benefits of exporting, she is proactive and always passes on her knowledge and experience. Kathy is an important player in the development, innovation and growth of the gin sector which is now the UK’s 5th largest food and drink export.
Kathy said: "I am so incredibly surprised - and humbled - to have been nominated for the honour, particularly regarding the kind things that people have had to say about the role of Brighton Gin in the local community and about supporting and encouraging diversity in the workplace and all the amazing things that that can bring."
The idea for Brighton Gin came to Kathy when she was out for a seafront run, the morning after a very late night on the gins (Plymouth Gin to be precise) dancing around a friend’s kitchen table. "I got thinking that if I’d been drinking anything other than gin, I wouldn’t have been off my sofa, let alone going for a run!
"The light bulb moment was that (in my experience!) gin is the one drink that lets you get away with it. Brighton is a place that needs to get away with it on a frequent basis, and I thought ta da, the spirit of Brighton – Brighton needs its own gin."
