TIM HOW
CEO, Majestic Wine Warehouse

Tim How has been recognised as the Drinks Business Awards 2008 Man of the Year due to his outstanding work in putting Majestic on the map in terms of wine retailing in the UK.

How has been acknowledged as the driving force behind the company’s tremendous growth and expansion since buying the fledgling Wine Wizard warehouse chain from Iceland, with John Apthorp and Tony Mason, back in 1989.

After much discussion the judges felt that How was a most deserving recipient of the accolade having been not only the guiding light in the company’s success but also for his track record commercially and for his pivotal role in
breaking the mould in the landscape of British wine retailing.

A member of the panel commented: “Tim How has taken Majestic from a loss-making operation to becoming the UK’s leading independent wine retailer. He sets the standard when it comes to creating and running a profitable business based on very simple principles of giving the customer excellent service, a great range, free tasting and delivery and easy parking.”

Under his guidance profits have grown from £1.24 million in 1996 to £16.2m in 2007. The company has been successfully floated on AIM, has created a successful cross-channel business in “Wine and Beer World”, and the number of stores operating in the UK has been increased to 200.

Click to see the award presentation at this years ceremony