Cask Marque co-founder Paul Nunny from Colchester honoured by All Partly Parliamentary Beer Group

Paul Nunny, right, recieving his Lifetime Achievement award from All Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman Mike Wood MP. Picture: Cath Harries (Image: Archant)

Mr Nunny, from Colchester, was presented with the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s Lifetime Achievement Award at an event in Westminster, attended by more than 150 MPs and peers.

During a 45-year career, Mr Nunny has been involved in the launch of organisations including beer quality organisation Cask Marque, the Beer Academy educational trust and beer description scheme Cyclops.

He has also served as a director at brewer Adnams and wine merchant Lay & Wheeler and is currently a non-executive director at Sambrooks Brewery in London.

Mike Wood MP, chairman of the beer group, said: “Paul is one of the most energetic and tireless people in the industry.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that Cask Marque has transformed the quality of cask ale sold to pub goers across the country.”

Mr Nunny’s most recent venture has been the creation of Stay In A Pub, a website to encourage people to use pub accommodation, making booking easy, and supporting the pub and brewery industries in the process.

Mike Wood added: “There are few people Paul doesn’t know in the industry and few committees he hasn’t sat on at some point. He is always happy to share his advice and experience.”

Mr Nunny, who was not told in advance that he was to be honoured at the dinner, said: “It was totally unexpected, a great surprise and a huge honour.

“Many thanks to MPs and Peers for this Lifetime Achievement Award, which, by the way, doesn’t mean I’m about to retire! There is still plenty of work to be done to support the positive impact that local pubs, breweries and beer can have on the nation’s social and economic life.”

Will Quince, MP for Colchester, said: “He has made a remarkable contribution to the industry over his career and to receive this award is an outstanding achievement.”