More than 150 investors have already pledged to support Gloucester Brewery’s £500,000 crowdfunding campaign, raising funds to help drive its ambitious expansion plans – with the promise of free beer for some.
With more than £240,000 already pledged so far, the campaign comes just days after the independent city-born business opened its new waterside venue, Warehouse 4, near its original TANK bar in the heart of Gloucester Docks.
Gloucester Rugby head coach, George Skivington, is the highest profile name so far to back the business – which is part-owned by the Kingsholm club’s chairman, entrepreneurial businessman Martin St Quinton.
Investments can start from as little as £10, with rewards on offer for higher pledges – including free beer delivered to your door every month for a year; a brew day experience; and even a micro-lite flight over the Docks.
Jared Brown, founder and managing director of Gloucester Brewery, said: ‘This crowdfunding campaign will help us realise some long-held ambitions at the brewery.
‘We want to establish ourselves as one of the leading independent eco-friendly breweries and distilleries in the UK by producing high quality, progressive beers and spirits.
‘Closer to home, the money will also help us to further develop Warehouse 4 to include a stunning mezzanine floor that will link into a sustainable wedding venue and event space above our existing Fox’s Kiln brewery.
‘We also want to grow our portfolio of bars across the south west.’
Despite the challenges faced by the industry throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Gloucester Brewery has recorded ‘very strong financial performances’ over the last 12 months.
In August 2021, revenue was 612 per cent up on January 2021; and in October 2021, it was up 140 per cent on October 2020.
Prior to the pandemic the group had been profitable for three years with 2019 profits of £40,863 on sales of £1 million.
Investors have until Tuesday 30 November 2021 to join Gloucester Brewery’s crowdfunding campaign.
By Andrew Merrell
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