Mathew Clark bosses toast 51% pay rise

Mathew Clark bosses toast 51% pay rise

Mathew Clark awarded its directors a 51 per cent pay rise in the same year that the shares plunged by over 60 per cent, according to the troubled cider maker's annual report published yesterday. Peter Aikens, chief executive, enjoyed a rise in his package of 63 per cent last year, with his salary, benefits in kind and pension contributions reaching pounds 327,000. The basic pay and pension contributions of Etheridge, finance director, and business development director Peter Huntley also soared. Andrew Nash was paid over pounds 170,000 compensation for losing his title as managing director of branded drinks. A spokesman said the directors had been underpaid relative to similar companies until last year. The company has since been hit by competition from alcopops.