I joined the wine trade in 1991 with Majestic Wine and, like almost all Majestic staff, initially worked as a trainee store manager, which provides an excellent grounding in wine generally, but also in customer service. From there I got a coveted job in the Buying Department and spent five years travelling, meeting wine producers, learning tasting and negotiation skills, and building a worldwide network of contacts. From buying I moved into e-commerce, developing the Majestic website from the ground up to meet the requirements of the 21st Century wine enthusiast. Finally, I became Commercial Director, with responsibility for fine wines, which gave me a full overview of the management of a successful wine business.

This broad experience within Majestic stands me in good stead as I make the move to Lay & Wheeler as Managing Director. I very much look forward to being part of a company with such an ingrained passion for fine wine; for the people that make it, and for you, the customers that enjoy it.

+44 (0)1473 313 228

Jeremy.palmer@laywheeler.com

I started working for Lay & Wheeler in 1984, joining a small and friendly computer team in our old town-centre offices. From computers I moved into finance and qualified as an accountant in 1996.

+44 (0)1473 313 219

Dave.smith@laywheeler.com

I joined Lay & Wheeler in January 2007, and in my role as Customer Services Manager I oversee all aspects of the management, storage and delivery of our customers’ own stocks. As part of this, I manage the relationship between ourselves, Vinothèque and couriers and make several visits a year to ensure that our Fine Wine Storage Service continues to represent the industry’s highest standard.

I don’t have many spare hours for myself, as my daughter’s hobbies tend to take over, but I do enjoy getting away for the weekend in our caravan and sampling a few glasses of a nicely chilled white.

+44 (0)1473 313 223

Niki.clarke@laywheeler.com

Although I trained and briefly worked as a geologist, I decided to join the wine-trade and – like many – began by working for Oddbins. From there, I got a lucky break and was able to move to the independent, and fondly remembered, La Vigneronne in South Kensington. In 2007, I joined Lay & Wheeler as a member of the Fine Wine Team, and now manage many private clients and have formed part of the buying team for Bordeaux and Burgundy on several occasions.

I do not have a favourite wine region, but enjoy all wines that are good examples of their regions and varieties – for me the interest is in the diversity of wines and styles. Wine is not just work, and so I enjoy drinking it at home alongside home-cooked food.

+44 (0)1473 313 241

Adrian.heaven@laywheeler.com

After graduating from university I was fortunate enough to join the Majestic Wine graduate trainee program. Having an interest in wine, but very little knowledge meant a steep learning curve - arguably, even more interesting and rewarding than my degree in Social Anthropology! Nearly 11 years in retail with Majestic also taught me the importance of providing the highest level of customer service. During my eight years as store manager I was lucky enough to run product knowledge training courses at Head Office. When asked what my favourite wine is, the answer is likely to change every day, although the Côte d’Or seems to make a regular appearance. A Puligny-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive would be my desert island wine. It is this passion for all things vinous, coupled with my firm belief in exceeding the customer’s expectations that I aim to bring to the role.

+44 (0)1473 313 257

Will.Hepworth@laywheeler.com

During my time at University I developed a keen interest in food and wine. After graduating in Biochemistry I joined Majestic Wine, which was the perfect place to further my knowledge and love of wine. Working up to manager of Majestic Wine Marlborough, I enjoyed fantastic relationships with my customers and was able to learn many aspects of the wine trade and develop my knowledge of fine wine. I am so excited to be working for Lay & Wheeler and look forward to the challenges of my new role. My favourite wines generally come from France and Italy, however I enjoy all wines that are a good examples of their region or variety.

Outside Lay & Wheeler I love to cook and enjoy nothing more than a night in with friends sharing a good bottle. I am an avid cricket fan, as well as playing golf and tennis.

+44 (0)1473 313 243

Al.Luffingham@laywheeler.com

Growing up in France, I have always had an interest in food and wine and joining Majestic as a trainee manager was a very natural step, allowing me to be involved in something about which I was passionate. As a manager in four London stores I developed not only my knowledge of wine, but also a thorough understanding of the importance of customer service. While I enjoyed the six years I spent in retail tremendously, I found myself craving a new challenge just as the opportunity to join Lay & Wheeler arose. Needless to say I am very excited about taking on this new role!

On those rare occasions when I’m not talking about wine, I am most likely to be playing tennis, cycling around various parts of England or playing the guitar.

+44 (0)1473 313 244

Ludovic.Surina@laywheeler.com

After graduating in Psychology, I returned to Suffolk. I joined the sales team at wine merchants, Hayman, Barwell Jones in Ipswich, where I first caught the wine-bug. Following a few years working in IT and customer services, I wanted to return to the wine industry and was thrilled when I was offered a role at Lay & Wheeler. Having recently returned from taking a year off on maternity leave, I return for my 7th year and am excited to be part of the Fine Wine Team again, sharing my enthusiasm for wine with Lay & Wheeler’s customers.

+44 (0)1473 313 256

Victoria.chaplin@laywheeler.com

Having studied the admittedly somewhat esoteric subject of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic during my time at university, I found myself unsure of the course my career should take. However, my time at college dinners and balls had left me with a love of fine wine and a desire to know more and that was the direction I decided to follow.

Following a year in advertising in London, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a position at Lay & Wheeler in 2002 and have been here ever since. While I have moved roles several times, I have always most enjoyed recommending wines to our customers and so am immensely glad to be part of our fine wine team and, specifically, a consultant for the Fine Wine Plan.

+44 (0)1473 313 211

kat.wiggins@laywheeler.com

I joined Lay & Wheeler as the Customers Reserves Assistant in 2006, taking responsibility for customer reserve accounts, booking in wines and arranging transfers and deliveries. During this time I learned a great deal about fine wine and also the wines that our customers enjoy and am now looking forward to being able to apply this knowledge in my new role as part of the Fine Wine Plan team. While I enjoy most styles of wine, the summer finds me drawn to New Zealand Sauvignon, whereas in the winter I find a great Rioja and a hearty stew hits the spot.

+44 (0)1473 313 215

Paula.hunter@laywheeler.com

Following relocation from Cardiff to Suffolk, I joined Lay & Wheeler in 2004 as part of the Hotel & Restaurant sales team, moving to the Fine Wine Trading team in 2006. I have over twenty years’ sales experience gained in telecommunications and civil-engineering, to name but a few, and developed a keen interest in wine, following a three year working assignment on a Welsh vineyard estate.

Outside Lay & Wheeler, I make regular trips to Wales and the Cotswolds to visit family and friends and, when I venture a bit further afield, France or Italy are my destinations of choice.

+44 (0)1473 313 259

Karen.graves@laywheeler.com

I have worked for Majestic for 11 years, working my way through the graduate training program to the position of senior store manager. Six years ago I became Majestic's Fine Wine Buyer and, when Majestic bought Lay & Wheeler to expand their fine wine offering, I also became their buyer, whilst retaining my responsibilities for Majestic's Bordeaux and fine wine ranges.

I enjoy travel, literature, music and good food, all of which fit very well with my work. I swim when I can. The current challenge is combining all of the above with a young family!

+44 (0)1473 313 300

Nick.Dagley@laywheeler.com

Despite a love of wine and a degree in French and Spanish, it took several years for me to realise that wine was the right direction for my career. I came to Lay & Wheeler five years ago, and following stints in customer service and sales, I have found my niche in the buying team and successfully completed my WSET Diploma.

Working on the buying side of the business has its benefits but I am always trying to convince people that it isn't glamorous. Most of my time involves numerous spreadsheets but I enjoy meeting our producers in situ and the highlight of my year is organising our annual Burgundy tasting. I can never choose a favourite wine as it often depends on the situation but I always love wines from Burgundy, the Rhône and Italy and you can't go wrong with something sparkling!

+44 (0)1473 313 206

Lucy.Barber@laywheeler.com

As part of my French degree, I spent a year living and working in France where I acquired an interest in wine and, after writing my dissertation on the role of wine in French society, I realised that my interest could lead to exciting career prospects. Majestic seemed like the obvious place to start, where I began as a trainee manager in 2009 and enjoyed developing my product knowledge, tasting skills and customer service. I am delighted to now be part of Lay & Wheeler’s buying team and am currently studying towards my WSET Diploma. I have a particular fondness for wines from the Rhône valley as they offer such diversity, but I am always keen to try something new, especially when accompanied by good food and company! I also enjoy cricket, horseracing, cooking and travel – all of which tie in nicely with my love of fine wine.

+44 (0)1473 313 207

Edwina.Watson@laywheeler.com