David Graham (O60/65) and his sons, Dan (O84/89) and Tresham (O87/92) have had some busy and exciting months.

Dan Graham (married to fellow OB, Sophie Graham (W88/90) and father to a current pupil) was part of a select group of British businesses who were asked to a special Downing Street market to showcase UK based talent.  The business, Birchall Tea, is one of the largest exporters of East African tea in the world, buying and shipping millions of kilos of black tea from Africa every year. The company has trading offices in East Africa and a solar powered tea factory in Wiltshire.  Dan is the Chairman and Managing Director for Imporient (UK) Ltd.  Birchall tea is now the brew of choice at 10 Downing Street and the company has won more “great taste awards” than any other tea company.  Dan was able to meet and talk to both the Prime Minister and his wife, and the Chancellor.

Dan Graham outside 10 Downing Street

Meanwhile, younger brother Tresham (O87/92) (Chairman and Managing Director of LAB International Ltd) was awarded the prize for 'top exporter who handled the highest value of exports and is compliant with customs laws adn procedures' receiving the award from the President of Kenya, William Ruto, at a recent ceremony.  With over 50,000,000 kgs of tea exported annually from the port of Mombassa to over 29 countries, it is no mean feat to achieve this prestigious award.  Every week, around 5,000 cups of tea have to be tasted to make sure that suppliers needs are met and only the best quality of tea makes its way through to the end consumer.  

Just one of the many, many bags of tea LAB International Ltd export every year.

For those OBs who like a slightly stronger tipple, the Graham family are releasing a wine from their Portuguese vineyard, a red Colheita in November ’23 and their reserve wines in ’24.  We can't wait to sample them!