Nigel Mills, co-founder of the Lakes Distillery has been named as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in British luxury.

The inaugural Walpole Power List, in association with Inzito and Coutts, includes the top 50 gamechangers, entrepreneurs and rising stars in the luxury market.

The British luxury sector is now worth £48 billion to the UK economy.

Mr Mills CBE, who helped found the distillery at Setmurthy, near Bassenthwaite, said: “It is a great honour to be named among the most influential people in British luxury.

"I’m humbled to be considered an influencer in British luxury alongside so many creative, innovative and game-changing people from great British brands like Bremont, Net-a-Porter, Gieves & Hawk, and The Savoy.

“We are thrilled to be acknowledged by the British luxury industry as we prepare for the global launch of our Lakes Single Malt Whiskymaker’s Reserve in September.

“Our vision is to create one of the world’s great single malt whiskys. Doing so in the North of England, a place more synonymous with industry than luxury goods, is an achievement that proves with hard work, the right team and the will to succeed, there are no barriers to what we can all achieve.”

Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, said: “What makes it a £48bn powerhouse is the exceptional ability of the people inside its brands, and Walpole’s annual Luxury Power List recognises and celebrates 50 talented individuals and their impact on this fast growing sector.”