Mark, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. I started my career by joining Diageo, followed by setting up my own consultancy company, No Comply Brands, 14 years ago. 

You had the idea of creating Trust Water during the first lockdown last year. Can you tell us a bit more about the concept and the project?

I talked with The Drinks Trust about becoming a Business Partner of the charity and whilst discussing how my company could support the valuable work of the Trust. The conversation happened at the beginning of the pandemic, and at that point, we had no idea how devastating it would be to our industry. Unfortunately, after that, we quickly realised how many people were affected by the enforced closure of hospitality and how the need for funds had grown exponentially. So we started talking about creating a brand that could really give back. We recognised that every establishment requires a water offering, and in a short space of time, with a small but perfectly formed team from both sides working together, Trust Water was born.

Can you explain why Trust Water is unique? 

Trust Water is the only water brand in the UK that donates 100% of its net profits to The Drinks Trust, which supports people in the drinks and hospitality industry. Still and sparkling British spring water from the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, Trust Water is available in a range of bottles, from glass and PET, to lightweight refillable aluminium. So it's really a hospitality brand for hospitality people. Our motto is CREATE POSITIVE RIPPLES. Trust Water is the only water brand in the UK that donates 100% of its net profits to The Drinks Trust, which helps the drinks and hospitality industry. 

Why did you choose to support The Drinks Trust?

 The Drinks Trust is the drinks industry charity and community organisation. Since 1886, The Drinks Trust has provided opportunity and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, from production to the point of sale and everyone in-between, so it was the obvious choice for us to partner with such a fantastic organisation. The help provided by The Drinks Trust is not only limited to supplying financial grants but their help is aimed at understanding what support our colleagues need and providing a suite of options, more than just a helping hand - a tailored solution. 

What are you aiming to achieve with Trust Water?

Our goal is simple, through Trust Water, we aim to raise £500,000 for The Drinks Trust. By raising this ambitious sum of money for the charity, we will allow more of colleagues from the beleaguered hospitality sector access to a professional system of help and support.