About Whisky Mixer
The Vision…
Whisky Mixer is very much the brainchild of Worcestershire business owners Neil Sysum of Sysum Howard Duggan Accountants and Matthew Jackson of Independent Worcestershire Funeral Directors | Jackson Family Funerals. Whisky Mixer was born from this pair’s many, many years of combined experience in local networking. Having seen first-hand how strong relationships can transform a business, Neil & Matthew wanted to create something that went beyond the usual handshake and business card exchange — a space where professionals could connect authentically in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
Whisky Mixer brings together people from across industries to share ideas, opportunities, and good conversation over a glass of something special. The aim is simple: to strengthen Worcestershire’s business community through genuine connections, memorable events, and a touch of good taste.
Each monthly meeting features four whiskies — a shop favourite, a classic style, a limited edition and a “WVA Special” sourced through our auction partners. Whether you're a long-time whisky fan or completely new to it, Whisky Mixer is designed to be inclusive, welcoming and fun. Our motto, “Networking Unbottled,” captures our approach: high-quality whisky, without the pretension.
The idea of Whisky Mixer very much began with these two both being avid collectors (and it goes without saying whisky drinkers) and the collaboration they have sought with some amazing partners who have backed this unique concept.
The natural step was to then reach out to a couple of different areas that the two had great connections in. That being: seasoned networkers, whisky fans and people who have a general interest but aren’t quite sure where to start with whisky.
This is where the Founders Fourteen came to be – the ‘think tank’ and ‘sounding board’ used to test the concepts, the ideas, the camaraderie and the potential that this networking could bring to the market.
At this point the launch of Whisky Mixer took on a life of its own. With every one of the hand-picked Fourteen individuals, those picked to be the voices of reason to determine if this could work as a concept and a networking group – all Fourteen signed up as full members in solidarity and commitment to the cause there and then. ‘Sign us up now’ was the chant at one of these sounding boards – so Whisky Mixer was born…
That faith in what we are looking to achieve is astounding… and if you haven’t already guessed why it was Fourteen people and they have been named the Founders Fourteen – it’s because there are Fourteen Doubles in a standard sized bottle of whisky…
Neil & Matt deserve the full credit for the concept and implementation of Whisky Mixer and are affectionately called the Godfathers of Whisky Mixer. If they are the Godfathers, then the Founders Fourteen are very much the family that pull this all together.
If you would like to meet up with the Founders, the Founders Fourteen or any of the members you can visit one of our meetings here.