In a year marked by continued cost pressures, recruitment challenges and reduced training budgets across hospitality, LWC has maintained its investment in industry and professional development, with 526 customers completing WSET wine qualifications over the past 12 months.

At a time when many operators are being forced to prioritise short-term operational pressures, LWC says sustained access to accredited training remains critical to the long-term resilience of the drinks and hospitality sectors.

Frances Bentley, Wine Buyer at LWC commented:

Wine knowledge gives people confidence – not just in what they’re selling, but in how they talk to customers and make buying decisions. WSET qualifications provide a shared language and a solid foundation that stays with individuals throughout their careers, regardless of where they work.

WSET wine qualifications are designed to deliver practical, transferable knowledge, helping teams better understand styles, regions and pricing structures, while supporting clearer communication with consumers and more informed commercial decisions.

LWC says the customer training programme is deliberately focused on skills and capability building, ensuring that training delivers long-term value to both individuals and businesses beyond any single supplier relationship.

Alongside wine, the wholesaler has continued to invest in WSET beer and spirits education, reflecting the increasingly broad skill set required to manage modern drinks lists and support commercially sustainable hospitality businesses.

For many in the trade, formal training is one of the first things to be cut when margins are tight,

Bentley added.

Continuing to invest in education is about backing the people behind the bar and on the floor, and recognising that skills development is fundamental to the future health of our industry.