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SIBA news All the news from SIBA HQ
Don’t miss out on your free tickets to BeerX UK this month, preregister today!
Tickets for BeerX UK 2022, taking place on March 16th and 17th at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, are free for all SIBA Members, and we won't be putting any limit on the number of tickets your team can apply for by preregistration.
All you need to do is make sure you preregister before the cut-off date of Friday the 11th March - walk-ins at BeerX UK 2022 will be charged at the standard £30 + VAT ticket price. In the past SIBA has offered one free ticket to all SIBA Brewing Members and Not Yet Brewing Members, but now we’re going even further and offering free tickets for you and your whole team. Supplier Associate Members of SIBA, or breweries that have multiple members of staff who would like to attend, can all do so for free providing you pre-register for your tickets before the event.
BeerX UK is the UK's biggest beer and brewing trade event and 2022 is set to be our best ever, with a huge industry trade show, regional beer bars and trade-only beer festival, the SIBA AGM and Members' Conference, the independent Beer and Business Awards presentations, plus a packed schedule of seminars, talks and panel debates from the beer industry's leading voices.
Add to that an expanding schedule of fringe events and after-parties around Liverpool and BeerX UK 2022 is already shaping up to be a must-attend for anyone in the UK beer and brewing industry.
Find out more at www.beerx.org
Industryleading SIBA British Craft Beer Report to launch this month at BeerX UK
The most comprehensive report of its kind published in the UK. This year’s SIBA British Craft Beer Report is due to be unveiled at BeerX UK in March in association with our Official Industry Partner, Croxsons.
The report is making a return this year having been postponed in 2021 due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Somewhat fittingly, it was at BeerX UK in March 2020 when the report was last published, the week before the country went into National lockdown.
The report will once again pull together the latest data on the independent craft beer market, including academic analysis of the SIBA Members' Survey, newly commissioned consumer research, and a broad range of industry data and reporting, edited by the former Editor of The Publican and current Independent Brewer Editor, Caroline Nodder.
SIBA’s CEO James Calder said: “The SIBA British Craft Beer Report is the most comprehensive report of its kind published in the UK and provides incredibly valuable insight into the independent craft beer market in the UK, including expert analysis and commentary from some of the industry’s foremost writers. I am delighted to see the return of the report in 2022 and look forward to seeing what emerging trends and insight it throws up. “I would also like to say a huge thank you to Croxsons, who have come on board as the first ever Official Industry Partner for the report and with whose support we have been able to continue offering this industryleading research, analysis and commentary.” Croxsons, who specialise in beer containers, closures and design, have extended their support to the report, coming on board as Official Industry Partner for 2022. COO Tim Croxson said: “We very much look forward to being involved with the report and to be in a position to make a meaningful contribution. Given the pace of change, only by analysing the market and understanding trends can we fully understand the way it is moving and how, in particular, brewers and retailers can reimagine the opportunities presented to them.” The SIBA British Craft Beer Report 2022 will be published on Wednesday 16th March at SIBA’s flagship event, BeerX UK in Liverpool, the UK’s biggest beer and brewing trade event.
SIBA served up award-winning beers at the Guild of Beer Writers' Annual Awards
In December, SIBA was once again proud to sponsor the British Guild of Beer Writers ‘Brewer of the Year Award’ as well as serving up a range of award-winning independent craft beers on our bar at the drinks reception.
The Brewer of the Year title was this year presented to John Hatch of Ram Brewery, who gathered the highest number of votes in a poll of Guild members. Presenting the Award, Guild Chair Emma Inch said: "John has deservedly won enormous respect across the brewing sector and this was reflected in our poll. According to one of the Guild members who nominated John, he "single-handedly managed to keep the continuation of brewing on Wandsworth's Young's Brewery site”.
Meanwhile, author Pete Brown was named Beer Writer of the Year 2021 at the annual awards ceremony, meaning he has now won the top award four times, following triumphs in 2016, 2012 and 2009. Beer Writer of the Year is the top accolade in the Guild's annual competition for writing about beer and pubs, which this year received more than 150 entries across 13 categories. On his way to the main prize, Brown won the Gold award in three categories: Best Writing about Pubs, Best Online Communicator and Best Book about Beer or Pubs, for Beer By Design. This year's highest-ever prize fund of £17,000 was shared between 16 Gold and Silver award winners.
The winners were announced at the Guild's annual dinner held at One Great George Street in Westminster. Each dish was served with a specially selected beer: Ten Degrees Czechia Session Lager from Utopian Brewing; Wolf Dark Scottish Ale from Windswept Brewing Co; Roots Rock Reggae IPA from Roosters Brewing Co and Waiting for the Rain Imperial Stout from Loch Lomond.
Government's "Help to Grow: Digital" scheme has now launched and is open for applications
Under the scheme, eligible businesses can now receive discounts of up to £5,000 off the retail price of approved Digital Accounting and CRM software from leading technology suppliers. This software helps businesses to effectively manage finances and build customer relationships. Businesses can also access practical, specialised support and advice on how to choose the right digital technologies to boost your growth and productivity through a new online platform.
To find out more or apply got to www.learn-to-grow-your-business.service.gov.uk
SIBA responds to statement on Scottish Deposit Return Scheme
Following the Scottish Minister’s announcement late last year that the Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed, SIBA issued a statement welcoming the move.
The Minister cited the concerns of small brewers as one of the factors leading to this decision. This will mean the scheme will not be going ahead in July 2022 as originally planned, but no further details have yet been provided of when it will begin. SIBA Scotland Director Jamie Delap said: “The Minister clearly acknowledged in her statement the challenges facing small brewers and the hospitality sector in delivering Scotland’s ambitious Deposit Return Scheme and has hinted that there will now be a delay. However, no clear timescale has been offered, only a commitment to introduce it as soon as practically possible. “Small independent brewers care about sustainability and are looking forward to working with the Minister to address the very real issues and have called for a stepped introduction to provide small producers extra time to prepare. “The challenges with the scheme as it has been designed go much further than just its timetable and the Minister is yet to address these. As it stands it will impose significant costs and reduce the choice and availability of independent craft beer in Scotland. No attempt has yet been made to address the deliverability of the online takeback service which will make selling online uneconomical for small brewers. Many of these issues could be resolved by aligning the Scottish DRS with the one being introduced in England, Wales and NI so we have a truly circular UK economy.”
Changes to Small Breweries’ Relief: Frequently Asked Questions
After the Government announcement about changes to the SBR system, SIBA’s Head of Policy & Public Affairs has produced the following set of FAQs to help members understand the changes…
Do we now have the final changes to SBR?
Not fully. The Treasury has now published its response to the SBR technical consultation. While we know the new start and end points for the SBR taper and which model they are going to use, we currently do not have the full picture. This is because further changes are being introduced in the Alcohol Duty System consultation.
So what is the start and end point of the new taper?
The new taper will start at 2,500hl instead of 2,100hl that was originally proposed by the Treasury. This means that up to 2,500hl full relief will apply and then it will reduce from that point. The Treasury has extended SBR to 100,000hl instead of the current 60,000hl.
Has the ‘cliff edge’ being removed?
A frequent concern from small brewers was that there is a ‘cliff edge’ at 5,000hl preventing them from growing past this point. The Treasury has resolved this issue so that it will be easier for brewers to grow.
What does the cash basis mean?
Currently small brewers pay a percentage of the main duty rate. For those up to 5,000hl it is 50% of £19.08, which is £9.54. Under the new changes, this will be expressed in cash terms. For the main rate of £19.08 it should be £9.54 and depending on where you are on the SBR curve will decide how much of this relief you receive.
Is there a cash cap?
The Treasury decided not to introduce a direct “cash cap” in the changes to SBR which could have limited the total amount of relief you could receive. Instead the Treasury intend to set relief in hectolitres of pure alcohol (HLPA) which will mean that relief will depend on both total production and your average ABV.
When will these changes be introduced?
The changes will be introduced in 2023, along with changes to the alcohol duty system and a new Small Producers Relief.
What’s the Small Producers Relief?
The Government has decided to build upon the success of SBR and apply it to other products such as cider. The intention is that SBR will be part of the new Small Producers Relief when it launches in 2023.
Will I still get SBR on beer above 8.5%?
The Treasury has decided to bring SBR in line with a new Small Producers Relief which only applies to beer up to 8.5%. Currently small brewers receive SBR on the general rate of duty above 8.5%. However, this will change under the new system with beers above 8.5% subject to same rate as other products.
Will SBR apply to beers below 3.5%?
Yes SBR will apply to beer below 3.5% and for the first time to those below 2.8%. This will be on a cash basis which may be a different amount than at the main and draught duty rates and may not be equivalent to 50% of the new rate.
Why are they using hectolitres of pure alcohol?
Because relief will apply to other products below 8.5%, they want to make it easier for the system to work across different products such as cider and made wine.
How does hectolitres of pure alcohol work?
Instead of relief being based solely on total production it will also take account of the strength of the beer you produce. The Treasury will set relief according to an average ABV figure and if you produce on average higher strength beer you will climb the relief curve quicker than if you produced mainly weaker beers. This means you can end up paying a higher level of duty.
Will we get SBR on the new Draught Duty Rate?
SBR will apply to the new draught duty but this will be in cash terms. The Treasury will set what this cash relief is but it may not be equivalent of 50% of the new rate.
Will they include 20 and 30 litre containers in the new Draught Duty?
The Treasury has said that they will consider this as part of the consultation. Currently they have proposed it should only be 40 litre containers or higher.
Is there a way for me to understand the potential impacts on my business?
A quick calculator has been created to demonstrate these impacts to give you an overview of what the changes could mean for you. This is available on the Toolbox. You can put in your total volumes and average ABV plus the percentage you sell in the on-trade. Please note that this makes several assumptions and should only be used as a guide.
If you have any further questions about the changes to SBR please contact Barry Watts on 07977837804 or at barry.watts@siba.co.uk
SIBA responded to Government support package which once again leaves out breweries
Following the Chancellor’s announcement of a further support package for hospitality businesses which yet again excludes small breweries, SIBA issued this statement on behalf of its members:.
“The Chancellor has announced a comprehensive package for the hospitality sector and additional support for those in the supply chain, who have been explicitly recognised. It does however appear that breweries will once again not be guaranteed support and instead rely on an additional £100m discretionary fund through their local authorities.
“Under the announcement, small brewers will have to apply to their local authorities for support, which in many cases has not been forthcoming during the devasting 18 month Covid-19 pandemic. Support and access to those grants has also varied massively from postcode to postcode. While brewers should be able to access the Covid Additional Relief Fund, this funding and mechanism was announced in March last year and local authorities are yet to even set up the scheme for small brewers to apply with the legislation only just passing through Parliament. This contrasts with the action taken in Scotland, where the Government has previously provided direct and significant assistance under the Brewers Support Fund. “Our independent brewing sector relies on pubs for 80% of their sales and have seen sales fall off a cliff in recent weeks under the Government’s lockdown in all but name.
“Other measures, including flexibility to pay HMRC, wiggle room on bounce back loan repayments and the new statutory sick pay refund scheme should all be welcomed and will help. But combined, these measures do not go far enough to compensate for the losses brewing will make in December, the profits from which are vital to see businesses through the notoriously quiet post-festive period.”
New Export Support Service from Department for International Trade
A new government helpline and online service has been launched where all UK businesses can get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. It gives access to cross government information and support all in one place. UK businesses of all sizes can use this free service.
SIBA members can access the Export Support Service at GOV.UK/ask-export-support-team or by calling 0300 303 8955 where they will be put in touch with a member of our dedicated export support team.
Remember your T&Cs
Hopefully as things improve after the closures earlier in the year, you're picking up new business or re-establishing contact with previous pubs and bottle shops.
To make sure that you're covered for any future issues, it's important you have the right terms and conditions for your customers.
In partnership with Napthens, SIBA provides a free T&Cs toolkit which is available on the Toolbox.
New 'simplified' version of Independent Craft Brewer seal now available
The majority of SIBA Member breweries now use the SIBA assured seal on their bottle and can labels which is great to see.
We have also listened to your feedback and produced this new simplified version of the seal, which will reproduce better at smaller sizes. Where possible the full version of the seal should be used, but if space is at a premium this new 'Independent Craft Brewer' version can also be used.
