A BARTON-LE-WILLOW distillery has announced the appointment of a new managing director.

Neil Spiers will work alongside the Sloe Motion team to increase commercial sales and distribution of the growing business.

Neil, who joined the award-winning business in November, has worked extensively across UK and international business to business and business to consumer retail markets, turning brands in different sectors into market leaders.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Sloemotion team to help grow their unique and exceptional brands in the fast-moving spirits market,” he said.

Joff Curtoys, founder director, said: “We are excited to welcome Neil to the company; he brings a real commercial and marketing pedigree that will help us grow further and flourish.”

The craft distiller and liqueur producer, Sloe Motion, is an award-winning which supply to farm shops, delis and garden centres around the UK alongside retailers such as Waitrose, Booths, Co-Op and Majestic Wines.

The Malton-based company develop and distil their range of Hedgerow Spirits, including Hedgerow Gin and Hedgerow Botanical Vodka over the past few years; with their sloe gin and bramble whisky liqueurs becoming best sellers.