Mark Kent | The Future of Scotch Whisky - And Why It’s Under Threat

Jimmy's Jobs of the Future

Boxlight Creative Studio

Technology, Business, Careers

5 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 12 November 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This Episode Was Made In Partnership With The Scotch Whisky Association. Check out our 2023 Audio Special with them here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-future-of-scotch-whisky/id1535212212?i=1000596306265 Scotch whisky isn’t just a drink - it’s Britain’s biggest food and drink export, powering over 40,000 UK jobs. But now it’s under threat. Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association and former British ambassador, warns that rising taxes, global tariffs, and climate pressures could derail one of the UK’s most powerful industries. In this episode, he reveals: 🇮🇳 Why India could transform Scotch’s future - if the new trade deal holds 💸 How government tax hikes are already costing thousands of jobs 🌍 Why Scotch matters for Britain’s global influence — from soft power to diplomacy 🤖 And how AI and climate change could reshape the industry forever Chapters 00:00 Scotch Whisky in India 01:39 Inside the Prime Minister’s Trade Trip 03:10 How Big Is the Scotch Industry? 08:23 Why Whisky Matters to the UK Economy 10:50 Tariffs, Taxes & The Laffer Curve 23:18 Climate Change Is Already Hitting Distilleries 26:55 The Art of Influence and Diplomacy 29:17 From Lincolnshire to Ambassador 33:32 Language, Culture & Soft Power 37:37 What Ambassadors Actually Do 44:20 Will AI Disrupt Whisky? 46:15 Quickfire Round ********** Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmysjobs Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jimmysjobsofthefuture Twitter / X: https://www.twitter.com/JimmyM Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-mcloughlin-obe/ Want to come on the show? [email protected] Sponsor the show or Partner with us: [email protected] Credits: Host / Exec Producer: Jimmy McLoughlin OBE Producer: Sunny Winter https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnywinter/ Junior Producer: Thuy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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0:25.7	HSBC UK current account holders only.
0:30.9	Are you stuck in traffic watching brake lights?
0:33.4	And you'd rather be watching the northern lights.
0:37.0	At HSBC, we know ambition looks different to everyone.
0:40.6	Whether it's retiring early or leaving more for your family,
0:43.4	we can help, because when it comes to unlocking your money's potential,
0:47.0	we know wealth.
0:48.5	Search HSBC Wealth today to get your financial future moving.
0:52.4	HSBC UK, opening up a world of opportunity.
0:55.6	HSBC UK current account holders only.
0:59.9	Welcome to Jimmy's Jobs of the Future.
1:02.2	Today I'm joined by Mark Kent, the chief executive of the Scotch Whiskey Association.
1:08.1	He has had a fascinating background in government, having been ambassador in Thailand,
1:13.7	Vietnam and Argentina. So it was brilliant to talk to him today about the sheer scale of the
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