Celebrating influential women across the drinks industry
Margaret Nicol
Blend Controller – Whyte & Mackay
How is diversity & inclusion a key foundation at your own organisation?
“It is important. It is a conversation that is taken seriously, and when we formed our first Inclusion, Diversity and Equality Committee, I put myself forward to join. I think it is important to remember that inclusion is not all about one type of community, or another. It affects everyone. As a ‘more experienced’ member of the company it was important to represent that side of the business.”
Do you feel a positive culture being in place helps you cement business relationships?
“A good relationship is about being honest with each other, listening and learning from each other. As whisky makers, we have relationships with cask partners in Jerez de la Fontera, Porto, Bourdeaux, and we could not do what we do without them, and without good relationships.”
Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences etc?
“I started in the industry 1974 at Longjohn Distillers International. In 1979 I joined Whyte & Mackay, at the time we had a lot of bulk business internationally, and a number of successful blends brands. The business has changed a lot in that time.
“The Dalmore has led the business, led the industry. The success of Jura, Tamnavulin, and now Fettercairn, has transformed the business. Internationally, The Dalmore has been our calling card.
“In that time the people have made it really. We have worked hard, and the whisky business is not always easy. In my role, I am ‘back of house’, but I am not alone. No whisky is made by one person, and here we have a team from Glasgow, at Grangemouth, Invergordon and the Distilleries that each have a hand in what we make.”
What opportunities are there for career evolution within your company?
“You only need to look around Whyte & Mackay, to see the careers people can experience.”
What has your experience been like as a woman working in your field?
“That is a question that I am asked increasingly these days. I am an experienced person in the industry, and I would say I recognise that the industry has had its challenges. However, for me, the experience has always been positive, it really has.
“I have been working with Richard Paterson, and now Gregg Glass. I have had the opportunity to help make incredible whisky, and that has been a positive experience.”
What challenges have you overcome in the past in this regard?
“To be honest, I have had a positive experience. Richard Paterson, and latterly Bryan Donaghey, have been good to me, supporting me in my career.”
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