Name: I’m Amanda Thomson
Occupation & Company: CEO and Founder of Thomson & Scott NOUGHTY.
Tell me about your current role?
We’re planning to be the world’s No. 1 Premium Non-Alcoholic Wine Brand. The choice for traditional wine lovers.
How did you first get into the drinks industry?
My initial steps in the industry were to move to Paris to study for my Wine and Management Diploma at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu School. I was one of their first intake of students on the new course and while I was probably seen as one of the students least likely to succeed in the beginning (as a former journalist, many thought my idea a little crazy), I went on to win an award from them later for Best Wine Concept.
What is your favourite part about working in the industry?
My favourite part of the industry is the collegiate atmosphere. Yes, it’s super competitive and I know I am, but it’s also hugely collaborative. On the non-alcoholic side, it’s also exciting to see more female founders rising to the top with their brands.
We’re meeting up for a wee drink after work – what are you having?
My after work drink is definitely Noughty Brut. It gets you in the party mood, like my favourite Champagne used to. That was always my plan, to replace the ritual but create the same feeling.
You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass?
If I could only have one drink for the rest of my life, I’d probably go for our newly launched Noughty Blanc. It’s my latest obsession. And you feel great every morning, even if you really hit it up!
It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?
My Saturday night restaurant pick is Hartnett and Holder at Limewood in the New Forest. Heavenly. In a word. And they also happen to pour Noughty. Luke Holder the Chef (alongside Angela Hartnett), was a really early champion.
Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drinks destination you’d love to visit?
My dream drinks destination is Maui, Hawaii. It won’t be long until Noughty is stocked at the famous Four Seasons Hotel on the gorgeous island where the forest season of The White Lotus was filmed.
The most memorable experience of your career?
The most memorable experience of my career is, I like to think ahead of me! But there have been a few for sure. Like when I was voted one of Business Insider’s Coolest People in Food and Drink alongside the late Anthony Bourdain and George Clooney no less.
One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?
I’d really like to see more diversity in the drinks industry – it’s still terribly white and middle-class frustratingly and way too male dominated. I’m doing my best to move the needle here partnering on initiatives to action change. It’s hard to be what you can’t see for sure.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry?
My advice for starting out in the drinks industry is this; it’s super tough but super rewarding. If you have a passion and a point of difference you should be able to get some cut though. Just don’t be seduced into thinking there’s anything easy about the industry. We see all the schmoozing and partying online but trust me, all drinks brands owners building a global brand are doing very little of that piece you see on social media and 99.9% hard graft. Not what everyone wants to hear this but it’s true.
You can follow Amanda’s journey on Instagram and keep up with the latest NOUGHTY news here.
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