MIKE
Mike bought the business in 2020 and is the driving force behind developing it into a nationwide entity. With years of experience in hospitality and having been the Operations Manager for Steevenson Wines for 8 years prior to buying the company, Mike knows the business inside out and has a great knowledge of the world of wine. His spare time (ha ha!) is spent walking Rufus and Eddie up on the moors, and he has recently taken up running!
CHRIS
Chris joined us (officially) at the start of 2024, but had worked with us previously by assisting with all things tech related with our swanky new inventory system. With a background in software development, he is the driving force behind improving efficiency and accuracy in our day to day operations, as well as innovative new ideas such as the development of customer support systems and introducing new tech to our team.
LAURA
Having started her career in restaurant management, Laura took off and travelled around Asia for 6 months before returning to Blighty. She joined our sales team in 2023, bringing huge enthusiasm to the office. She has already made a big impact, winning over customers from far and wide. She’s a gym enthusiast, a keen footballer and the proud owner of a naughty Labrador. Laura also achieved distinction in her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines recently!
LAUREN
If it has been designed, printed or it’s on our website, Lauren probably created it from scratch. Lauren holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines so she is the go-to girl if you are holding an event or wedding as her attention to detail and knowledge of suitable wines is excellent. An ex-chef, this girl knows how to eat, and when she's not at work, she's usually found in her kitchen, walking Lola the dachshund or out in the countryside playing with horses.
JESS
Jess has learned a great deal in a short amount of time about running the warehouse as well as being interested in other areas of the business. Despite her young age, she is an absolute powerhouse, shifting wine cases, driving the forklift and managing our drivers! Working and looking after horses adds up to a pretty full week, so it's a good job she’s so much younger than the rest of us! She holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines so knows her stuff when it comes to advising on wines.
RICH
Rich joined the Sovereign team in August 2024 - the busiest time of the year. Fortunately, with over 10 years of warehouse management under his belt, the summer rush didn't phase him one bit. Nothing comes in or out of our warehouse without him knowing about it and stock management has never been so good! In his spare time, Rich is an ardent Plymouth Argyle fan, never misses a match, and he also plays pool in the Tamar Valley league.
JAMES
Having started working life in television production, James switched to the wine industry aged 25 and spent 8 years managing a wine business in South Hams before joining our sales team in 2024. James gained a WSET Level 3 with merit and dreams of completing Level 4 in the future. When he's not zooming around Devon and Cornwall selling wine, he can be found in the gym, sea swimming or in the kitchen. The rest of his time is spent with his 2 children, Evie and Luca.
CLAIRE
Chaos is never far away in this business, and Claire’s job is to bring order to the mayhem. With a background in teaching and event management, her organisational skills are second to none. Despite having a broad Norn Iron accent, she has played England Masters hockey, and having a big wooden stick close by is quite handy. She and her family are the original ‘fit family’ and can be found playing tennis, running or cycling in their spare time. She has no qualifications in wine, just drinks a lot of it and knows what she likes!
OUR DRIVERS
Our amazing team of drivers are Dave, Kev, Phil, Richard G, Paul, Spence and Tracey, and they deliver wine to our customers throughout the southwest from Penzance to Bath. They are never in the warehouse long enough to pose for photos - after all, time is money!
ROB
I don’t really need to introduce Rob. If you’ve ever had wine delivered you’ve probably met him. Everyone remembers him, and not just because he’s very tall! He’s the warm, friendly face of the company (and believe me we need some of those). Rob always goes the extra mile to ensure everything is just right.
LOLA
Lola is in charge. Make no mistake. She may be little but she’s as feisty as she is affectionate. She and Lauren are pretty much inseparable and if Rufus and Eddie ever get a bit full of themselves we can rely on Lola to restore order! Although Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and wild boar, Lola mainly hunts chicken nibbles these days.
EDDY
Eddie (yes - Eddie the Beagle - we know!) is too little to lick most peoples’ faces, but he’s always there to watch Rufus do it! He’s also quite nervous of people, which is a shame because he’s a lovely chap. Beagles are escapologists and Eddie is no exception! He can undo door-handles and even round doorknobs so if you do see him it’s likely to be from behind as he legs it towards freedom…
RUFUS
Rufus is probably the most athletic dog you’ll ever meet. He’s very affectionate and evidently has a good palate - unfortunately he specialises in licking faces rather than wine, so you have been warned! He is half Beagle and Half Collie, and one half of a double act with his inseparable partner Eddie.
NERO & FLOYD
Nero, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Floyd, a rescue Staffie–Patterdale cross, may be the smallest on the team but they make sure they’re noticed – people usually hear them before they see them! Nero brings a touch of wisdom, while Floyd keeps everyone on their toes with his boundless energy. Whether joining Jess on long walks, racing the horses or leading the way to the treat jar, they add plenty of spirit and personality to the Sovereign Wines team.