Comprehensive guidance covering every aspect of starting and operating a craft brewery or taproom in the UK
Our consultancy services address the full spectrum of knowledge and skills required to establish a professional brewery operation. We work with you to develop capabilities in technical brewing, regulatory compliance, business operations, and market development.
Moving from homebrewing to commercial production requires understanding different equipment, larger volumes, and consistency requirements. Our technical training covers the fundamentals of commercial brewing operations.
We help you understand brewery equipment options, from entry-level systems to more sophisticated setups. This includes mash tuns, fermentation vessels, cooling systems, and packaging equipment. You'll learn how to evaluate equipment based on your production goals, space constraints, and budget.
Scaling homebrew recipes to commercial volumes involves more than multiplying ingredients. We cover water chemistry adjustments, hop utilization differences, and fermentation management at larger scales. You'll learn how to maintain flavour profiles and consistency across batches.
Implementing quality control processes ensures consistency and helps you identify issues early. We teach practical quality assurance techniques including sensory evaluation, basic testing, and record-keeping systems that support continuous improvement.
Efficient production involves scheduling, inventory management, and workflow optimization. We help you develop systems for tracking raw materials, managing fermentation timelines, and coordinating packaging and distribution.
UK brewing operations must comply with regulations from multiple authorities. Understanding these requirements and preparing proper applications is essential before you can begin production.
All commercial brewers must register with HMRC and understand their duty obligations. We guide you through the registration process, explain duty calculations and relief schemes, and help you understand ongoing reporting requirements.
If you plan to sell alcohol directly to consumers, you'll need a premises licence from your local authority. We help you understand what's required, how to prepare your application, and what conditions may be attached to your licence.
Breweries must comply with food safety regulations and register with their local authority. We cover hygiene requirements, HACCP principles, and the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance.
Depending on your location and operation type, you may need planning permission or environmental permits. We help you understand when these are required and how to approach the application process.
Building relationships with local pubs and establishing distribution channels is crucial for new breweries. These partnerships provide revenue, market presence, and valuable feedback.
Understanding your local market helps you identify suitable venues and position your products effectively. We teach you how to research your area, identify potential partners, and understand what different venues look for in brewery partners.
Making effective approaches to pubs and bars requires preparation and professionalism. We help you develop your pitch, prepare samples, and present your brewery in a way that resonates with venue owners and managers.
Setting appropriate pricing requires understanding venue economics, your costs, and market rates. We guide you through pricing strategy, margin calculations, and negotiating terms that work for both parties.
Reliable delivery and responsive service build strong venue relationships. We help you plan logistics, manage inventory for accounts, and establish service standards that encourage long-term partnerships.
Your brand identity differentiates you in the market and creates connections with customers. Developing a strong, authentic brand requires strategic thinking about positioning, visual identity, and communication.
We help you define your brewery's unique positioning, values, and story. This includes identifying your target audience, understanding your competitive landscape, and articulating what makes your brewery distinctive.
Your visual identity includes your name, logo, packaging design, and overall aesthetic. We guide you through the process of developing a cohesive visual system that reflects your brand strategy and resonates with your audience.
Effective communication builds awareness and loyalty. We help you develop your brand voice, create compelling narratives about your brewery and beers, and communicate authentically across different channels.
Building presence in your local market involves more than advertising. We discuss strategies for community engagement, event participation, and building genuine relationships with customers and other local businesses.
Sound business planning and financial management are essential for sustainable brewery operations. We help you develop realistic projections and implement systems for tracking and managing your finances.
A comprehensive business plan clarifies your concept, market approach, and financial projections. We guide you through creating a plan that serves both as a roadmap for your operation and a tool for communicating with potential investors or lenders.
Realistic financial projections help you understand capital requirements, cash flow patterns, and profitability timelines. We help you develop projections based on your specific operation type, production capacity, and market approach.
Understanding your true costs and setting appropriate pricing is fundamental to profitability. We cover cost accounting for brewing operations, including direct costs, overheads, and how to price different products and sales channels.
Implementing proper bookkeeping and financial tracking from the start makes management easier and supports informed decision-making. We discuss accounting systems, inventory management, and key financial metrics to monitor.
Our consultancy services are customized to your specific needs and stage of development. Whether you need comprehensive support across all areas or focused guidance on particular challenges, we adapt our approach to serve you effectively.
We work with complete beginners who are exploring the possibility of brewery ownership, as well as those who have specific experience but need guidance on UK regulations, market development, or business planning.
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