Andy Hoyle

Before joining Kingsland I worked in Hospitality – managing a fine dining restaurant and a high end gastro-pub. The wine menu had over 500 wines which sparked my initial interest in the category! The hours in hospitality and family life became incompatible but I knew I had to stay in the industry somehow – this is how I ended up here!

I started at Kingsland in June 2019 as Samples Co-ordinator. My role quickly progressed to providing account support for our regional team, and a brief stint in demand management! I also helped the specialists and Tesco accounts in early COVID era.

Mid-lockdown I joined the buying team as Buying Assistant, progressing to Junior Buyer in 2023. I now look after the North American and South African wine portfolios, all of the spirits category as well as providing buying support for our sister company Ten Locks.

Since joining Kingsland I have worked my way through the WSET qualifications. I have achieved my WSET level 3 in Wine, and more recently I have completed the WSET levels 1 & 2 in Spirits. I am currently working towards my WSET Diploma in Wine.

I have also completed Auditing training as part of my additional role conducting internal audits.

What does Employee ownership mean to me? I love how much more transparent the business is with us as employees – less smoke and mirrors and more straight to the point. Certainly gives you more of a drive to work hard and do well for the business.