Tom Proctor

Tom  gave up drinking alcohol 10 years ago and, with no great choice of alcohol free drinks available at the time, began importing a few non alcoholic spirits from Europe. His company, The Alcohol Free Co, now services customers and trade businesses in the UK as well as exporting to over 15 countries worldwide.

It’s a family affair, with his mum and close friends all helping to run the business and his wife - a fellow non-drinker - also giving guidance. The team taste every product that they sell.

‘I’m a huge fan of dark spirits, which mimic their alcoholic counterparts closely,’ he says, ‘but I think I’m most looking forward to judging the still wines as they have vastly improved over the last two years.’