Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Raising a glass to a more sustainable future

Published: 16 November 2021 at 16:00

Andy Wood

Adnams chief will speak at ARU about how the brewing giant is changing

The Chief Executive of Suffolk-based brewer Adnams, Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, will reveal how the company is changing to embrace a more sustainable future at a free talk at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge later this month.

By putting energy efficiencies at the heart of brewery modernisation, opening a purpose built, low-carbon distribution centre, and launching the UK’s first carbon neutral beer, Adnams have reduced their carbon emissions and put social and environmental responsibility at the heart of their business proposition.

In this talk, Andy will share some of the challenges the company faced in this process, and how changes to organisational culture and processes are as important as technological solutions in making business sustainable.

Andy joined Adnams in 1994, rising to Chief Executive in 2010. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013, and between 2014 to 2016 was HRH The Prince of Wales’ Ambassador for Responsible business in the East of England. Andy, who has an honorary degree from ARU, has also co-authored a book on lean and green business systems which was awarded the Shingo prize for Operational Excellence in 2013. 

Professor Chris Land, Deputy Dean for Research in ARU’s Faculty of Business and Law, said:

“Adnams is one of the East of England’s most recognisable and traditional names. We are delighted to welcome Andy Wood back to ARU to share his insight into the challenges facing traditional brewing businesses as they look to build environmentally-friendly and sustainable foundations for the future – something Andy is particularly passionate about.

“This promises to be a fascinating event and we look forward to both welcoming people on campus in Cambridge and tuning in online from wherever they may be in the world.” 


This is a hybrid event, with places available to attend the talk in person or watch online. Although tickets are free, booking is required. It will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday, 25 November at ARU’s East Road campus in Cambridge. To book a place to attend in person, click here. To book a place online, click here.