Whisky Invest Direct seeks to change the way some of the 3,000 million litres of spirit maturing in Scotland as Scotch Whisky is owned, stored and financed.WID provides a vehicle for self-directed private investors to invest in maturing whisky while offering the industry as new trading platform.https://www.whiskyinvestdirect.com/

Atholl Crescent Consultants Ltd ( www.atholl-crescent.co.uk ) is a public affairs and media relations consultancy which provides clients with advice, counsel and guidance on public policy, government affairs, media relations and reputation management issues:Public AffairsPublic Policy AnalysisMedia RelationsMedia ManagementStakeholder EngagementReputation ManagementStrategic AdviceCrisis ManagementPublic Relations

Responsible for delivering international trade policy priorities for the Scotch Whisky industry. Development of strategies and programmes to reduce or remove trade barriers faced by Scotch Whisky firms around the world. Liaision with UK government departments and Embassies, the UK and Scottish Parliaments, overseas governments, the European Commission and Parliament, and member companies to raise awareness of industry issues and secure fair trading conditions.Board member of spiritsEUROPE, Brussels.

Responsible for development and execution of strategies to enhance the priorities and objectives of the Scotch Whisky Association with politicians, civil servants and the media. Particular focus on excise duty (a decade of duty freezes), alcohol's place in society (member of several industry/government committees), and the economic importance of the industry (published several joint reports with government).Extensive broadcast media experience as lead spokesman for the industry, often dealing professionally and successfully with controversial issues. Experienced in giving written and oral evidence to Parliamentary committee enquiries.Board member of spiritsEUROPE, Brussels.

Responsible for all press and media relationships on behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry covering business, political and lifestyle print and broadcast journalists in UK and overseas. Regular TV and radio appearances. Public affairs responsibilites to raise awareness of industry issues with MPs and civil servants. Day to day responsibility for SWA offices in New York and Tokyo.The Scotch Whisky Association is the voice of the Scotch Whisky industry at home and overseas. The SWA protects and promotes the interests of the industry by ensuring it operates within proportionate and appropriate regulations, halts misleadingly labelled products and encourages responsible drinking.

Extensive high street banking experience including personal banking, international trade, small business lending and personal investment products. Manager of central London branch.Media Relations Manager representing Midland Bank to personal finance, banking and general business journalists and broadcast media.