New era for Leeds drinks experience company Mix and Twist following management buyout

The transition has been marked by a record breaking end to the year, with November and December delivering the strongest trading months in the company’s history and signalling accelerated growth under the new team.

Established in 2013 by entrepreneur James Abbott, Mix and Twist has grown from a one man start-up into a nationwide provider, delivering around 150 events a year and achieving £1 million turnover in 2024.

Since the buyout, the business has continued to build momentum, expanding its remit beyond event delivery into cocktail consultancy, including clients such as Twinings with their recipes now served onboard Virgin Atlantic flights.

James Abbott launched Mix and Twist shortly after finishing his business degree, combining his bartending skills with a desire to build something of his own.

What started as a mobile bar service has developed into a full event and drinks experience company, offering everything from cocktails, mocktails and hot drinks, to molecular mixology, branded beverage activations and team building masterclasses.

Over the past decade the company has built a reputation for creative, reliable and high energy service, supported by four full time staff and a large network of specialist freelancers.

Mix and Twist’s client list now includes many national and international brands and has provided corporate bar services and events for Google, Red Bull, Amazon and L’Oréal. The company also supports annual events for regional and national businesses such as Aalco.

The business has now transitioned to new ownership under three long serving team members: Millie Graham, Managing Director, Conor Abbott, North of England Director and Dan Wood, South of England Director. The trio bring extensive experience to their new roles, having each played a key part in shaping Mix and Twist’s growth across the UK.

Millie joined the company in 2022 as an Events Coordinator and quickly progressed to Head of Events, overseeing national delivery and team operations. Conor, who has been part of the business for 12 years, began by supporting his brother James during the company’s early startup stage.

He later led Mix and Twist’s virtual expansion during the Covid period and most recently served as Events and Operations Manager. Dan, who originally joined as a freelance bartender seven years ago, became Head Bartender (South) before establishing the company’s London presence and taking on the role of South of England Manager.

In a joint statement, the new directors said they are committed to honouring the foundations the company was built on, while driving forward its next phase of growth.

Their plans include strengthening Mix and Twist’s profile across Yorkshire and the UK, expanding its offering into full-service events, developing bartender training opportunities and elevating the company’s role from events supplier to strategic partner. Longer term, the team has ambitions to take the Mix and Twist experience global.

Milie Graham, Managing Director at Mix and Twist added: “We’re incredibly proud to continue what James started and to lead Mix and Twist into its next chapter.

"This business has always been built on flair, imagination and energy, and those values will continue to guide us. Our focus is on delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and building a company that makes its mark not just regionally, but nationally and beyond.”

To learn more visit: https://www.mixandtwist.co.uk