British Guild of Beer Writers
Best Communications Winner
SIBA asked us to create a communications campaign film supporting reform of the Beer Duty Escalator.
The governments’ policy added two percent above inflation to beer duty each year, creating a clear need for accessible, credible public messaging.
Our role was to turn a complex policy issue into a human story that felt clear, timely and relevant to audiences beyond the brewing industry.
Working with SIBA and beer writer Pete Brown, we developed Proud of British Beer, a people-led communications campaign built around member voices. Brewers from across the UK shared first-hand perspectives, helping audiences understand the role of independent breweries in local communities.
We filmed across a range of breweries to reflect the scale, diversity and regional reach of the independent brewing sector.
Holst’s I Vow to Thee, My Country gave the film a reflective and purposeful tone. It connected the campaign to national identity, shared culture and pride in British beer.
“Digitom’s knowledge and understanding of the subject matter was a major contributing factor to the success of the film, I would have no hesitation working with them in the future.”
Keith Bott
|Chairman
,Society of Independent Brewers
Launched on YouTube, the campaign gained momentum quickly. It reached more than 10,000 views in its first week and was shared widely across the brewing community.
The film became part of a wider advocacy campaign that helped build support for reform and contributed to the Government’s decision to end the Beer Duty Escalator.
The project shows how communications content shaped by real voices can influence policy, strengthen advocacy and support sector-wide change.
The campaign’s impact was recognised by the industry, with Pete Brown earning Best Communication Winner at the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards 2011 – validating the strength of the creative approach and the effectiveness of authentic, insight‑led storytelling.
