Club Soda, who are global advocates for no, low and mid-strength drinks, have appointed their first Public Affairs and Communications Officer since starting in 2015. Lauren Ingram was appointed to the role this week from HEINEKEN UK.
Lauren joins the Club Soda team after working as HEINEKEN UK’s Public Affairs Executive for the last 6 months, where she led on MP visit coordination for Star Pubs, HEINEKEN UK’s pub estate. Previous to this, Lauren worked at the British Beer and Pub Association as their Public Affairs and Communications Intern and as Administrative Officer for Siobhan Baillie, who was the MP for Stroud before the 2024 election.
Lauren will be working with co-founder, Laura Willoughby MBE, to increase Club Soda’s political engagement so key barriers to growth in the no, low and mid-strength sector can be addressed. Product descriptors and labelling regulations will be a key focus for Club Soda in the next year, as well as ideas on how the Government can support the growth of the sector as part of their 10 Year Health Plan. With the sector seeing huge growth over the past few years, Club Soda wants to ensure no, low and mid-strength drinks are affordable and accessible, both in the on-trade and off-trade, so consumers can be part of inclusive drinking occasions.
Commenting on Lauren’s appointment to the new Public Affairs and Communications role, Laura Willoughby MBE said: “This could be a landmark year for no, low and mid-strength drinks. The Government has recognised the role the category can play in improving the nation's health and supporting upcoming drink driving changes, and that's a huge opportunity. Now we need to make sure innovative independent brands can grow by removing the barriers in their way. I'm delighted Lauren has joined us to help make that happen”.
Lauren Ingram, Public Affairs and Communications Officer for Club Soda, added: “I am really excited to be working with Club Soda to advocate for such an important and growing sector. No, low and mid-strength drinks play such an important role in giving consumers choice and helping our hospitality venues thrive. The Government needs to get up to speed and see the importance of alcohol-free drinks in achieving their health, social and economic goals. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role and work with the industry to push the category forward”.