The BII Ambassador title is awarded to current operator members who go above and beyond to support the BII, their fellow members and the wider industry.  Despite their own challenges they always make time to help others and are true Ambassadors of the BII.

Keris & Lee De Villiers

Keris and Lee De Villiers embody the spirit of the BII with their fantastic attitude to life in their pubs. They are tenants of The Pig and Whistle and the Beehive. Over lockdown, Keris recorded a diary for the BII every week without fail, reacting to the news and restrictions placed on their venue with honesty and, at times, huge frustration! It was an authentic, relatable picture of what was happening up and down the country, and played a huge part in our communications to members in 2020. They continue to support the BII through many platforms.

Kelly & Ashley McCarthy

As long time BII Members and winners of LOYA 2013, Kelly and Ashley have been unwavering in their support of the BII and the wider industry. As operators of Ye Old Sun Inn in Tadcaster, they have supported their local community for many years.
Kelly is the Chair of the BII Yorkshire Region, giving her time and expertise, not only to the BII, but also to the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group. They have also been judges for LOYA over many years since their initial win, with Ash heading up the judging for 2022.

Alex & Tanya Williams

LOYA Winners in 2018, Alex & Tanya run the fantastic Polgooth Inn near St Austell and remain amongst our favourite operators who have featured in national press, representing the whole industry. Tanya also gave evidence to a Parliamentary hearing where she spoke passionately and eloquently about the vital role that pubs play in local communities as well as the rewarding career that pubs can provide.

Tom Kerridge

Tom is a huge supporter of the BII, and the breadth of the work that he does for the industry is vast. From supporting his local community with the Meals from Marlow project during lockdown, to the “Full Time Meals” campaign alongside Marcus Rashford, He has always made time in his busy schedule to look after those less fortunate. 

Jason & Chris Black

Winners of LOYA2021, Chris & Jason know what it takes to be successful.  Their business is based on innovation, exacting standards and putting their teams at the heart of what they do. Since winning the award they have continued to freely share their expertise and insight with the wider industry, BII members and through regular appearances with the media.

Cassie Davison

Cassie is the owner of the Gate Hangs Well and has a long history in hospitality. From running pubs, clubs and driving cultural development and festivals, she has been at the heart of our sector. She is passionate about collaboration and sharing her expertise. As an active BII member she has supported us sharing her insight with members, with being a judge in previous years LOYA and represented us at the APPBG Rates review earlier this year.  

David Hage & Mark Osborne

LOYA winners in 2019, David and Mark have taken the responsibility of winning the prestigious title in 2019 very seriously. Having represented the BII at Meet the BII events, talking openly and honestly about the challenges they have faced over their years in the licensed trade, They have supported us and promoted the pub sector fantastically over the last 30 months and continue to do so.

Anthony Pender

Anthony has been a key figure in the BII since 2014, when he as Chair of the BII. He was instrumental in the revival and redirection of the BII, alongside our previous CEO Mike Clist, and his support before handing the reigns to our current Chair, Mark Robson was second to none. He has given all of Yummy’s training programmes free of charge to anyone in the industry who needed them, proving time and time again that his attitude towards collaboration is at the heart of everything he does.

Mark Holden

Operating three pubs in Cornwall, Mark is an exceptional member of the BII readily giving his time to share his expertise and talent with others. His passion for the role of professional development in developing careers in our sector is unparalleled.  He shared his very personal story as a key speaker at our People Conference earlier this year.  His passion for the life changing opportunities training and development provide is inspirational. He has now also joined the BIIAB as a Trustee. He is an exceptional champion for our sector.