Seckford Agencies have a real focus on excellence, they proactively support and develop producers' opportunities within the market. They have a lot of respect from their producers but also their customers.
Seckford Agencies was established by Pippa Woods in 1999 and specialises in New World wines, representing over 35 wineries from around the world and covering a diverse range of prices and styles but all of exemplary quality.
A winner of prestigious awards for business aptitude as well as for their outstanding portfolio, Seckford have been awarded Small Agent of the Year by the International Wine Challenge in 2017, 2015, 2013 and 2009 and Specialist Merchant of the Year for South Africa in 2017, 2015 and 2014, as well as the IWSC Wine Importer of the Year in 2012.
Pippa set up Seckford Agencies in 1999, a life transforming experience along the road to where we are now. The wine trade has changed significantly in this time and as a company she has ensured we have been agile and forward thinking enough to go along with it. She thrives on the challenge and sheer complexity of running such a company and is involved in all aspects of the business.
David's career started in the retail sector, running wine stores in the West End and Kensington for a few years. Since then he has worked with Freixenet, Moët & Chandon, Percy Fox, PLB and Bibendum to name a few! Here at Seckford Agencies he heads up sales into the food-led multiples as well as MWW and BA First Class.
At weekends, David can be found walking, sailing, gardening (we are told his agapanthas are legendary in his village), flying his kite with his children and enjoying good food and wine with friends.
Philip joined Lay & Wheeler straight from school and progressed through the ranks selling to the trade in mid-Essex. After L&W he worked for a number of large New World wineries gaining experience in trade channels across the UK and N. Ireland. His most recent role was running the Independent, On Trade sales and Travel Retail sectors for Concha y Toro.
It was while working at the London Hilton that Julie realised her passion for wine. A move to Colchester led to employment with Lay & Wheeler where she eventually managed the two retail shops and organised wine events. At Seckford Agencies, Julie is involved with arranging all tasting events around the UK; arranging itineraries for visiting winemakers; promoting our wines with UK media and generic bodies; and most importantly selling to our independent Wine Merchant customers!
Outside Seckford Agencies, she loves her garden, walking, travelling, cooking and eating out with friends and family.
Jo joined Seckford Agencies on her return to the UK after living in New York for nearly three years. Her eldest was born there and once number two had started nursery Pippa suggested she might like a part time job – 10 years later she is still here! She has previously worked in print, horse racing, motor racing and, whilst in NY, for the Consulate in the inward investment department.
Marian has been involved in the wine trade for over twenty years, having spent much of this time working at Lay & Wheeler in various roles, where she also completed WSET studies up to Diploma level. At Seckford Agencies, Marian works with David C and Emma in supporting our sales to the Multiples sector.
Emma joined the team at Seckford Agencies following many years working in marketing. Along with David and Marian, she works with the Multiples, as well as taking care of our digital marketing.
Linda started working with Seckford Wines in 1997 and joined Pippa's 'agency' team of two in 2001! She has seen the company grow from strength to strength in the subsequent years, and welcomed many new colleagues into the office, where she deals with the day to day accountancy admin, and is backup to the sales and marketing team.
Outside Seckford Agencies, Linda loves spending time with her two sons. She also enjoys long walks, cross stitch and sampling the fine wines available in our portfolio!
