West Berkshire Brewery (WBB) is to raise £4m through a tax-efficient Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) to build a new brewery, as it responds to continuing strong demand for its award-winning beers beyond its Thames Valley heartland.
Led by international brewing entrepreneur David Bruce, WBB plans to satisfy growing beer volumes with a larger brewing facility with visitor centre, café and a brewery shop, as well as state-of-the-art bottling, kegging and canning lines. The firm will also purchase its first freehold pub to serve as a showcase for its beers.
The plan follows a period of strong sales growth for the company and comes with the appointment of two industry heavyweights to the WBB board – Bruce’s partner from both the City and Capital pub companies, Clive Watson, and former Fuller’s national account controller, Simon Robertson-Macleod.
Bruce, who has a long track record in successful fundraisings through the government’s tax-efficient EIS route, said: “We are delighted to announce our plans for the next stage in the development of the West Berkshire Brewery business. We are very excited for what 2015 will behold.
“We have great ambitions for the brewery, as well as for our fantastic portfolio of brands, and are ready to take our high-quality range of British-brewed premium beers to a larger audience than ever before.”
Based on its current increasing growth in sales – with like-for-likes up 17% in the six months to September 2014, and growth of approximately 20% each year since 2000 – WBB is expected to outgrow its current brewery within two years.
WBB’s business expansion follows a rebranding of their entire beer range, which so far this year has won seven awards.
The EIS succeeds last year’s fundraising venture, when WBB raised £1.23m through offering family, friends and beer aficionados the opportunity to become shareholders.
About West Berkshire Brewery
The West Berkshire Brewery (WBB), in Yattendon, Berkshire, is an award-winning, independent brewery, founded in 1995 by husband-and-wife duo Dave and Helen Maggs
Currently located near the River Thames, in “Wind in the Willows” country, the Maggs used their life savings to launch the business – initially making beer in a converted barn behind a pub.
WBB has a stable of award-winning beers, including flagship brew Good Old Boy, Mister Swift’s Pale Ale and Dr Hexter’s Healer as well as a raft of seasonal and limited-edition brews. It has already won well over 40 awards, including a Gold Medal for Dr Hexter’s Healer.
WBB’s range of beers are available in many free houses across the country, but also as a guest beer for Enterprise Inns and, most prestigiously, its bottled beers are available in Fortnum & Mason, Waitrose and Majestic Wines.
For more information click here