SIBA Independent Brewer Spring 2025

Welcome to the Spring edition of SIBA’s Independent Brewer Magazine.

The start of the year is traditionally a time for reflection, and as I sit here at my desk in mid-January and look back at the last 12 months it has been A LOT, by anyone’s standards.

Wars, environmental disasters, political upheaval, a global financial crisis, the unstoppable rise of the billionaires, a cashstrapped consumer and an information war being fought right in front of us on our phone and tablet screens. All of this affects all of us, whether directly or indirectly, and running a small business successfully in such a climate requires significant skill, a willingness to quickly adapt and pivot, and a great deal of grit and determination.

One weapon that the UK’s independent brewing sector does have in this fight, perhaps

more so than other sectors, is the sense of community and collaboration upon which it is built. SIBA believes that, rather than approaching the multitude of challenges being thrown at us as individual brewers, we are much stronger if we do so together, and this is a theme that you will find coming through loudly in this issue of our magazine, not least in our striking cover image.

In our State of the Nation feature on pages 28-35, SIBA’s CEO Andy Slee outlines the key areas where SIBA has been working hard, and will continue to work hard this year, to represent your voice to Government, the media and consumers and to provide the practical support you need to succeed.

Bringing this community together is vital to this work, and BeerX 2025, in Liverpool in March, is going to be more important than ever in strengthening SIBA’s voice, and sharing thoughts, ideas and best practice (see pages 6167 for more details).

There are also other, more existential, current threats to our industry, and we welcome newlycrowned Beer Writer of the Year, a long-time campaigner on issues of diversity, Ruvani de Silva as our Guest Writer (see pages 36-39). Ruvani ponders the negative impact the current turmoil can and is having on improving diversity, equality and inclusion in our industry, and asks how we can all do better.

Elsewhere in this issue, we feature Brewer of the Year Dominic Driscoll from Thornbridge

Society of Independent Brewers and Associates PO Box 136, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5WW Tel: 01765 640 441

www.siba.co.uk

Email: office@siba.co.uk

in our Meet the Brewer feature, and delve deeper into the historic project to rescue and install a redundant Burton Union system at the brewery (see pages 42-47). Along the way, we caught up with an industry legend, Brooklyn’s Garrett Oliver, who was the catalyst for the Thornbridge project and a passionate advocate for the preservation of the iconic Union system (see page 49).

We also meet the couple behind Baker’s Dozen, who despite the brewery's modest size, are punching well above their weight when it comes to their trophy cabinet (see Business Profile pages 52-59)

And finally, don’t forget to sign up for SIBA’s newly-launched Indie Beer Week initiative, a country-wide consumer celebration of independent beer and the latest extension of the Indie Beer campaign SIBA launched last year (see pages 16-17).

See you at BeerX in March!

And please do keep sending me your press releases, updates, news and views to caroline. nodder@siba.co.uk so that we can share your experiences, thoughts and successes in future magazines – the deadline for submissions for our Summer magazine will be May 2nd

Caroline Nodder Editor

SIBA Independent Brewer Magazine

Editor: Caroline Nodder (caroline.nodder@siba.co.uk)

Published by: Media Alive Limited

Produced on behalf of SIBA by: Media Alive Limited, 2nd Floor, The Red House, 119 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1AX. T: 01992 505 810

Creative Director: Darren Kefford (darren@wearema.co.uk)

Studio Manager: Jon Hardy (jon@wearema.co.uk)

Advertising Manager: Claire Rooney (claire@wearema.co.uk)

Managing Director: Dan Rooney (dan@wearema.co.uk)

Printed by:

Goat Mill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 3TD

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or be any other means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of SIBA and/or Media Alive Limited.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate and up-to-date, neither SIBA nor Media Alive Limited take any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Opinions expressed in editorial contributions to this publication are those of their respective authors and not necessarily shared either by SIBA or Media Alive Limited.

Stephens & George Print Group

Cover

Our striking cover design for this issue was created by the magazine’s Creative Director Darren Kefford, and was inspired by the revolutionary power of community, and the coming together of the independent beer sector both at BeerX and through SIBA’s Indie Beer campaign. Find out more about both inside this issue...

News

9-15

SIBA News All the news from SIBA HQ

16-17 Indie Beer Week The new annual event celebrating independent beer launches in April

22-23 Membership Update A round-up of the latest SIBA Membership benefits

51 BA Conference Information from the US Brewers Association

61-67 BeerX Preview What to expect from SIBA’s 2025 flagship event

82-89 SIBA Regional Beer Competitions Results from the online bottle and can competitions

90-99 Brewery News The latest from our Brewing Members around the UK

102-107 Supplier News Updates from SIBA’s Supplier Associate Members

Comment

7 CEO’S Update Andy Slee, SIBA’s Chief Executive, focusses on the power of independence

8 Chairman’s Comment National Chair Richard Naisby looks ahead to BeerX and what the rest of the year might bring

18-19 The View From Westminster Our regular political update

26-27 Homebrew In Focus Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing looks at Wild Horse’s Tramcar IPA

36-39 Guest Writer The newly crowned Beer Writer of the Year, Ruvani de Silva, on the difficult path ahead for diversity, equality and inclusivity

77 Tech Focus Brewlab’s Dr Keith Thomas on caring for your yeast

101 Supplier Viewpoint Wayne Johnson at Faedah Solutions offers insight into changes to the barcoding system

Features

25 Taproom Focus Featuring the taproom at The Indian Brewery

28-35 SIBA State Of The Nation An overview of SIBA’s strategy and goals for 2025 and beyond

42-47 Meet The Brewer We meet Dominic Driscoll from Thornbridge, the Guild of Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year

49 Meet The Brewer Brooklyn’s Brewmaster Garrett Oliver talks Unions

52-59 Business Profile The husband and wife team behind Baker’s Dozen tell us how they came to found the award-winning brewery

69-75 Business Advice Legal, brand & marketing, consumer insight & finance

78-81 Gold Members Croxsons and Vigo

108 Gold & Silver Members Listing of our key sponsors

110 Contacts Key SIBA contacts

CEO's Update

Inspiring indies

You will be reading this in the build-up to SIBAs biggest ever BeerX gathering, taking place in Liverpool on March 19th and 20th. An occasion to listen, learn and celebrate everything that’s great about independent brewing, over a beer with mates new and old.

It’s also a time to look forward to the challenges ahead, so it’s worth reflecting that as we congregate the FTSE 100 index will be as close as dammit to a record high - as good a measure as any of investor confidence in large companies. I suppose when £1 billion a week in utility company profits are part of the overall mix then what’s not to like, if you are a corporate investor.

But how does this tally with consumers wanting to support small independent businesses local to them?

It doesn’t matter in which sector you look, amongst the inexorable march of global businesses and the inevitable homogenisation that goes with them there are beacons of light. Small, founder-led businesses, run with passion and an entrepreneurial spirit. Employing local people in the heart of the communities they serve, with taxes paid locally in a virtuous circle of economic growth and societal connection. I worked for one of the biggest companies in the world for over a decade and enjoyed my time there immensely. They did things on a size and scale unimaginable to most people. But locally connected it was not, no matter how hard it tried to persuade the British public or itself.

For all the hype elsewhere, beer is still the biggest category in pubs and provides an experience that can simply not be replicated at home.

This isn’t a debate about big = bad vs small = good, it’s about big and small being different and meeting the demands of different types of customers, on different occasions.

In a balanced portfolio, how do both sit alongside each other?

At SIBA we recently launched an Indie Beer trademark to differentiate genuinely independent brewers from the global ‘craft beer’ brands that our YouGov polling told us many drinkers thought were still independent.

The reaction to this has been incredible, with over 400 breweries already pledging tangible support, national and local press coverage of all types, support from industry organisations such as CAMRA, the IFBB, BII, and even backing from an editorial in The Guardian.

Indie Beer is there for the beer drinkers for whom the provenance of a beer is important, to help them make an informed decision. It is facilitated by SIBA but really belongs to the breweries and supporters involved, who between them reach millions of beer drinkers.

As someone said to me recently, why, when pubs go to such lengths to source their food locally, do their beers mainly take their

inspiration and ownership from abroad?

I’ve nothing against these beers, nor anyone who enjoys drinking them, but if even half the energy that goes into local sourcing of food was invested into doing similar for beer it would provide a more balanced beer offering to pubs customers across the land.

This will be a challenging year for the hospitality sector for reasons I don't have space to repeat here. For all the hype elsewhere, beer is still the biggest category in pubs and provides an experience that can simply not be replicated at home.

Brewers big and small have a role to play in keeping local pubs as a force for good in the communities they serve.

I hope everyone involved in the broader hospitality sector can raise a glass to that!

See you in Liverpool.

Andy Slee Chief Executive SIBA

BeerX 2025:

Come one, come all!

BeerX 2025 will be the biggest, most exciting and all-encompassing conference that SIBA has ever hosted. As I write, we are deep into the final planning stages and I’m liking what I see.

With a third hall, an expansion of 50%, we have the room to give our exhibitors the space they need, with some left over for allimportant storage areas. The smaller breakout rooms will host a variety of novel activities. The incorporation of new types of exhibitor mean that even more than previously, BeerX will become a ‘One Stop Shop’ for all types of brewing requirement.

For many years, we have had the best place to scope out new equipment for the brewhouse, new ingredients and new ways to package our products. Starting this year we are developing how we can best present our beers in taprooms and pubs. Together, SIBA members operate over 2,500 drinking venues (a surprisingly large number and more than some well-known pubcos!) and each of these venues has common requirements – whether it is bar stools, tills, point of sale or display equipment - we hope to be able to cater for it. BeerX is developing and 2025 will not be the finished article – long term planning is already under way for 2026 but I hope that the direction of travel is clear.

All the old BeerX favourites are still present. The bars will feature award winning beers from around the country. Great speakers will deliver fascinating talks on a wide variety of topics with more emphasis on the development of established breweries – though the start-ups

will also be catered for. Business advice from industry experts should give all attendees some hints and tips regarding the future profitability of their businesses.

At the centre of it all is the Annual General Meeting, your chance to have your say in the running of the SIBA organisation. All regions have the chance to contribute to the motions under debate – so if there is a subject which you’d like to see discussed, this is your chance. 2025 is already shaping up to be a challenging year for the industry. October’s budget promised increased pain for the hospitality sector in general, and pubs in particular. Our colleagues in UK Hospitality major on this but there is bound to be a knock-on effect on breweries. The considerable rise in taxation doesn’t seem to be matched by any kind of increased efficiency within the state sector. I have recent and bitter experience of VAT rebate delays lasting months (and if a brewer was similarly late, HMRC would be quick with the penalties, why can we not have reciprocity when the fault is at the VAT man’s end?). We have local government working a four day week – and often then from home – and unable to provide timely service on basic items like bins. It is probably best I don’t get started on the inequity of the pensions most of us will be providing for ourselves and the gold-plated pensions which our taxes provide for the public sector.

Better news is promised north of the border. The Scottish Pubs Code comes into effect on March 31st 2025. It offers tied tenants at least one free of tie line, direct to the brewer – so

long as the brand has annual production of no more than 5,000hl. The genesis of the legislation is curious since it is the brainchild of C&C Group plc, one of the globals and owner of Tennent's Lager, which of course is too big to benefit. SIBA will continue working closely with all of the interested parties and we hope for a rapid and profitable implementation. Perhaps it will join the long list of Scottish innovations which prove popular in other parts of the country. Time will tell.

Richard Naisby Chairman SIBA

Beer sommelier and TV newsreader Marverine Cole will be the keynote speaker at BeerX 2025

Broadcaster and beer expert Marverine Cole has been revealed as the keynote speaker for this year’s BeerX 2025 in Liverpool.

Attracting around 3,000 representatives from the UK’s independent beer industry, the event, organised by SIBA on March 19-20th, brings expert talks, tastings and a newly expanded trade show together under one roof. Headlining the talks is multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole. She can currently be seen as a newsreader on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain, is the resident beer expert on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh’, and is one of the first women in the UK to become an accredited beer sommelier.

Marverine will be bringing her unique perspective and expert knowledge to an event which is the largest of its kind in the UK.

Marverine said: “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at BeerX. I remember attending several years ago when Garrett Oliver was the keynote, so it’s very much an honour to be following in his footsteps on that stage. I’m not going to give the game away just yet but it’s safe to say – after 21 years in journalism – I’ve a lot to tell you about the TV industry and the opportunities that it, and digital media, could still hold.”

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA, said: “BeerX is delighted to have Marverine on board as our Headline Speaker for 2025. Her breadth of knowledge and experience in journalism and broadcasting, particularly in bringing great beer to mainstream TV audiences, is second to none and we look forward to what we’re sure will be an essential keynote address.”

BeerX UK features a packed schedule of seminars, talks, and panel debates, from some of the most respected voices in the beer industry. Topics range from brewing techniques to marketing strategies and sustainability practices, offering attendees invaluable insights that they can apply to their own businesses.

The Trade Exhibition showcases an array of products and services that cater to the brewing sector; From hops to state-of-the-art brewing equipment, the trade show is a treasure trove of innovation, allowing attendees to discover the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. It's a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect and engage with suppliers, creating relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

The event also proudly showcases SIBA’s independent beer and business awards presentations, where the best of the best in the brewing industry are honoured. These awards recognise outstanding achievements, quality brews, and innovations within the sector, shining a spotlight on the incredible talents that drive the industry forward.

The SIBA Business Awards will in 2025 also include a brand new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ Award in partnership with beer industry group Women on Tap.

The new award celebrates independent breweries who have made equity, diversity and inclusivity a central part of their business – be that with a focus on gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodiversity, or age.

For more information about BeerX 2025 see pages 61-67 in this magazine or visit www.beerx.org

New SIBA Member Serviceshelping you run better businesses

SIBA is committed to ensuring that its Members are equipped with all the tools, legislative advice, access to market and insight data required to run a successful brewing business.

To do that, the SIBA team constantly looks at new ways in which we can save members money and ensure that the Members’ Toolbox contains all the information to make it a truly ‘one stop shop’.

SIBA Practical Labelling Guide

January saw the relaunch of the SIBA Practical Labelling Guide. First launched in 2019, the in-depth labelling guide sets out exactly what you should and shouldn’t have on your bottles, cans, casks and kegs. The guide is handily categorised by what is required by law, recommended by SIBA, optional, or in some cases not recommended. The latest edition can be downloaded from the Brewing Tools & Advice section in the SIBA Members Toolbox.

SIBA Brewers Guide to Business Insurance

Alongside the labelling guide, the Membership team has launched a new Member Benefit, the SIBA Brewers Guide to Business Insurance. This guide is to assist Members when it comes to establishing what type of insurance they require.

It covers everything from areas that are a legal requirement to areas that you may wish to consider insuring for your own peace of mind.

For the full range of Member Benefits see pages 22-23. We will be adding new benefits throughout the year and would welcome any suggestions from Members - please contact Rachel.harriott@siba.co.uk with your ideas.

For all samples, from beer wort to packaged product

Quick results without separate calculations or distillation

Calibration and adjustment with deionized water only

SIBA’s Independent Beer Awards relaunch as ‘Indie Beer Awards’ for 2025

Further building on the successful launch of SIBA’s consumerfacing Indie Beer Campaign, the Board and Competitions Committee have approved the renaming of the SIBA Independent Beer Awards to the Indie Beer Awards for 2025.

The change has been supported by new award-winners’ badges, medals and promotional materials and will further align the awards with the other consumer facing activity such as Indie Beer Week and the broader campaign.

“We know that for brewers the value in winning an award for brewers is shouting about it to consumers, and as SIBA are putting serious resource into further building up the profile of 'Indie Beer' with consumers over the next twelve months it makes sense for our awards and the campaign to be aligned,” said Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms.

This means that the new Regional winners’ medals for 2025, starting with the South West Awards at Maltings Fest, will align with the style of the Indie Beer campaign. The change will also be applied to the National Awards Final at BeerX in 2026.

Indie Beer: A quality choice for consumers

Making it easier for consumers to find great-tasting beer from local independent breweries is an integral part of the campaign and the regional awards are a great opportunity for positive, local news stories. And whilst there are other beer awards out there, our USP has always been the rigour of the judging and the fact only genuinely independent breweries are involved - the rebrand to be the Indie beer Awards simply makes that message even clearer.

“A core aim of the Indie Beer Campaign is to create a recognisable standard for quality independent beer, and the rebranding of the SIBA awards further backs this up, driving home the message that Indie Beer mark is a driver for quality in the on and off-trade,” Neil added.

SIBA has also been using social media to build up the following for the Indie Beer Campaign amongst beer drinkers, utilising organic and paid for advertising. Like any campaign keeping up momentum and engaging consumers is the biggest challenge, so linking the awards with the growing consumer audience on the Indie Beer Social channels gives various opportunities to promote winners and keep followers interested. A win win!

Official Launch: April

The South West’s Maltings Fest will not only the first competition to use the new Indie Beer Awards branding but also the official launch of Indie Beer Week 2025, taking place from Friday 11th until Sunday 20th April.

For more information about Indie Beer Week or how you can get involved, take a look at pages 16-17 or email indiebeer@siba.co.uk

The winners of SIBA’s Online Regional Bottle & Can Competition have been announced

The best bottled and canned beers across the SIBA regions were unveiled just before Christmas, ahead of the National finals at BeerX in March.

Gold (90+), Silver (80+) and Bronze (70+) prizes were awarded to independent breweries in SIBA’s geographical regions across a variety of beer styles; from modern Pale Ales and traditional Bitters, to Lagers, Stouts and Continental Style beers.

The SIBA Bottle & Can Independent Beer Awards 2024 were judged by a fleet of expert judges from across the UK, with beers marked against internationally recognised style guides for the different beer award categories – looking at appearance, aroma, flavour, aftertaste and saleability.

Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms, praised this year’s winners: “The SIBA Independent Beer Awards are one of a kind in the UK, judged by expert beer sommeliers, experienced international judges and master brewers – to win these awards you really must be the best of the best so a huge congratulations to all of this year’s medalists and in particular our Overall Gold Category champions.”

For the full list of results from all regions of the UK see pages 82-89.

Saviours of Flavour The thecaringcraft for craft of beers

Our closures are the saviours of flavour, protecting and preserving the natural goodness of craft beer. Choose a traditional beer crown, or a resealable swing top design featuring a stopper, rubber seal and strong metal clasp. Either way, Croxsons has the best closure to lock in the fresh flavour, keeping your smooth hops happy and your crisp lagers lovely.

Take a closer look at our closures www.croxsons.com

"IWCBD is a brilliant project, and there’s an opportunity to capitalise on its legacy, by driving tangible support for the causes and campaigns that work hard to make the beer industry more diverse and inclusive, and in turn, commercially resilient."

Women On Tap Founder, Rachel Auty

SIBA partners with International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD), returning for 2025

Women On Tap CIC is the new organiser of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) which, after a year off, is making a comeback for 2025 with the theme ‘Unite Society’.

SIBA is the campaign’s headline partner for 2025, with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) onboard as an Education Partner, and additional sponsorship pledged from Simpsons Malt. Originally founded in 2014 by Burnt Mill Head Brewer, Sophie de Ronde, IWCBD encourages women in the beer industry, those brewing at home, and local communities to come together and create new beers to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th.

From 2014 to 2023, IWCBD provided a central theme and platform on which to bring together all the IWD brew day projects. While a number of International Women’s Day brewing events happened in 2024, there was no central IWCBD campaign to bring them all together.

Women On Tap CIC will take on the coordination and publicity for IWCBD for 2025, and taking inspiration from the Brave Noise campaign, commercial breweries are being encouraged to commit to a donation to a non-profit women’s organisation or group at sign-up stage. The suggested minimum donation is £100, or the brewery can instead donate a percentage of profits from the IWD beer sales over and above the minimum amount.

Women On Tap Founder, Rachel Auty, says it’s important these initiatives have a lasting positive impact beyond the event itself: “IWCBD is a brilliant project, and there’s an opportunity to capitalise on its legacy, by driving tangible support for the causes and campaigns that work hard to make the beer industry more diverse and inclusive, and in turn, commercially resilient. With the main theme for International Women’s Day 2025 being #AccelerateAction, with a call-to-action for all IWD 2025 events to include an element of women-focused fundraising, we believe we can help generate thousands of pounds to enable more of this vital work.”

Participating breweries are welcome to choose a cause that is local, known, or personally important to them, as long as it is a relevant non-profit women’s cause with a beer diversity mission. A suggested list of such groups will also be provided for those who would like guidance on this, and a sign-up form has been launched inviting nominations for this list.

The IWCBD campaign will champion all the participating organisations alongside the causes that are supported.

Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms & Marketing, said: “SIBA is proud to be partnering with Women On Tap to support the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, bringing people together to brew a diverse range of world-class beers. Our own industry research released in 2024 shows the shortcomings of the beer industry in attracting and promoting more women to join the brewing industry, particularly in senior brewing and leadership roles, and we hope this collaboration will be the start of a long future working together to improve the beer industry for everyone.”

For more information go to www.iwcbd.org

SIBA welcomes a new NonExecutive Director

SIBA is pleased to welcome Paul Hegarty as a new SIBA NonExecutive Director, sitting on the SIBA Executive Board.

Paul has 38 years’ experience in the brewing sector, starting his career as a Research Scientist at Bass in Burton before moving on to be Head of the UK Communication Team for Molson Coors. For the past 10 years he has been the Honorary Secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, handing over the role in 2023. In this role, his job was to remind MPs that beer and pubs are a force for good – not just economically but as a vital cog in communities across the UK. He is also a Trustee of the Licensed Trade Charity and a member of the Pubwatch National Committee.

Paul said: “The growth of the independent beer sector over the past couple of decades has brought an explosion of choice and dynamism to the UK beer market. I am very much looking forward to working with the SIBA team to build on this success story and ensure UK beer lovers can enjoy the widest range of independently brewed British beers.”

Chairman of SIBA, Richard Naisby, said: “We welcome Paul to SIBA’s Board and Executive, confident that he brings many years of valuable experience and undiminished drive which will greatly enhance our work – to the benefit of our members, the associates and independent Brewers of the UK.”

Image © Ryan Walsh

SIBA Members warned to beware of rogue traders Bullhouse Brewing Co wins the SIBA 2024 Survey Prize Draw

Congratulations to Bullhouse Brewing Co in Belfast, who were the winners of this year’s Prize Draw for completing the 2024 SIBA Members’ Survey.

William and Christie Mayne from Bullhouse said they were delighted to be awarded the prize of £500 to spend with a SIBA Supplier.

William said: “We find SIBA’s annual Independent Beer Report a vital resource for our brewery, whether for benchmarking or for picking up industry trends. Since becoming a SIBA Member, we ensure we set aside the 30 mins to complete the survey when launched annually. Without member data, the Independent Beer Report loses a lot of its value. The more member data that SIBA has to work with, the more effective SIBA’s already excellent lobbying efforts. The Government wants facts, and we’ve used information from the members’ survey when lobbying local politicians in Northern Ireland.”

Christie added: “We were thrilled to find we were the winners of the prize draw and decided to invest the winnings in some new keg containers which are due to arrive with us any day now! In these challenging economic times any supplier discounts are always welcome.

“We would recommend that all SIBA Members complete the survey to assist SIBA in their work and help give them that big voice for us Indie Brewers. You never know next year it could be you with the £500 to spend!”

Brewers are being warned to watch out for potential scammers after SIBA Members were targeted.

A number of brewers have been in touch with SIBA recently to report that they have been contacted by someone trying to buy a large volume of beer in bulk on behalf of a buying group.

Whilst the background story given by the customer differs slightly each time, in essence, the customer appears to want a large amount of beer (circa 300 kegs/casks) delivered or collected. The customer either requests credit or promises to pay up front; however these promises never materialise and it is likely that this could be an attempted fraud.

This should serve as a timely reminder to brewers of all sizes to ensure that due diligence for potential orders is carried out, particularly those which appear too good to be true. Administrative staff should be made aware of this issue and properly trained on due diligence processes and procedures. Remaining vigilant and being alert to potential fraud is key to ensuring that brewers do not become unwitting victims of scam or bogus orders.

Any SIBA Member who thinks they may have fallen victim to such a scam should contact SIBAs nominated lawyers, Napthens, at sibalegal@napthens.co.uk who will be able to provide advice.

Indie Beer logo makes its debut in Parliament's Stranger's Bar

The SIBA team was out and about in December at several events in and around Parliament with colleagues from across the sector, and we were delighted to spot the Indie Beer logo on the bar in the House of Commons thanks to Tractor Shed.

The SIBA team would also like to thank Hammerton Brewery, Peak Ales, Wimbledon Brewery, Stannary Brewing Co, Crafty Brewing, Gower Brewery, Hogs Back Brewery, Mount St Bernard, Mysterious Brewing Company, Woodcote, & Purple Moose Brewery for providing beer for the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Christmas reception which took place the same day.

If you would like to follow Tractor Shed and Jorvik and have your beer showcased on the bar at the Stranger’s Bar, the most used by MPs in Parliament, please contact barry.watts@siba.co.uk for more information.

Indie Beer Week 2025: It’s not too late to get involved!

INDIE BEER FESTIVALS

As you know beer festivals can be a great way to attract new customers and build your local following, so why not take advantage of the increased press and promotion opportunities of Indie Beer Week to run a festival, large or small, at one of your venues? We’ll be promoting all events via the Indie Beer social channels and to our growing database of beer fans.

Building on the hugely successful launch of the Indie Beer campaign at the end of 2024, SIBA has created Indie Beer Week, taking place from the 11th to the 20th April (taking in two weekends) and being officially launched at the Maltings Fest in Newton Abbot.

The UK-wide event has been backed by new campaign materials and promotional Point of Sale (free for SIBA Members, follow the link at the bottom of the page), paid advertising and social media, promotion via the IndieBeer.uk website events section, and National, Regional and Trade press activity. Indie Beer Week is designed to be a spotlight on the great events being run by breweries all across the UK, attracting new customers to your venues or creating something interesting for your regulars – here are just a few ideas for events you could run during IBW2025:

SPECIAL OFFERS AND PROMOTIONAL PACKS

Running a special offer through your brewery shop or a new ‘Indie Beer Week’ mixed case can be a great way to capitalise on the buzz of the event and drive some sales through your shop. Again we’ll be promoting as many of these offers as possible so don’t miss the opportunity to drive some sales to your business during IBW2025.

TUTORED TASTINGS

The consumer research conducted as part of the Independent Beer Report frequently shows that consumers increasingly look for an ‘experience’ when choosing where to spend their money, particularly amongst younger demographics – and tutored tastings can be a great way to offer this in a fun and engaging way.

Talking people through a range of your beers, discussing the beer styles and what makes each beer special is a great way to get people thinking differently about beer and potentially convert some new beerlovers.

TAP TAKEOVERS

Tap Takeovers can be a great way to get a range of your beers in front of new customers and we’ll be encouraging independent beer venues, bottle shops and pubs to get in touch with local brewers and hopefully get more of your beers on the bar during IBW2025. If you’ve got a tap takeover planned make sure to add it to the website and we can help you promote it.

GET INVOLVED WITH INDIE BEER WEEK 2025!

If you haven’t already registered your event on the website do so via www.indiebeer.uk/ add_event.php

Need some Indie Beer Week promotional materials such as posters etc? Email us via indiebeer@siba.co.uk

LIMITED EDITION IBW BEER

Brewing something special? Why not coincide it with IBW2025 or even make it a special annual release. By the time you read this article there probably isn’t much time to plan in a special brew specifically for IBW2025 but here’s hoping our messages have got through before now! If not then why not start planning for next year now, a 12-month bourbon barrel aged Indie Beer Week Stout perhaps…?

MEET THE BREWER EVENTS

Best done in conjunction with a Tap Takeover, meet the brewer events can be a great opportunity to engage with customers and talk them through your beers. They’re also something venues can sell tickets for, creating added value for them and giving you a good selling point to get more of your beers on the bar.

Consumers want to hear what makes your brewery special and why you brew the beers you do, so think in advance about what you’ve set out to do with your brewery –even if the answer is just ‘brew some really great beer!’.

The view from Westminster

Whisper it quietly but there may be a small revolution brewing in Scotland. The nation’s first Pubs Code will finally come into being on the 31 March this year. While many of its features are similar to the Code in England and Wales, it includes several significant and important differences which empower pub tenants.

Why would this be of interest for independent breweries? Well notably for brewers it introduces a Guest Beer Agreement which is not in the Pubs Code across the border.

This will allow tenants in around 700 regulated Scottish pubs to request an agreement at any point in their tenancyand not just at certain trigger points - from the pub operating business. It can only be rejected if there’s an existing scheme which matches the specific criteria detailed in the Code.

Once agreed the tenant can choose, purchase, change and sell without penalty at least one beer of their choice, which suggests it could apply to more than one. This can be from any brewery and not just those based in Scotland and in any format including keg, cask can and bottle. It can’t penalise the tenant in any way including forcing them

to stop selling a product nor can it contain any restriction on how the guest beers are purchased, although it does allow a service equipment or line charge to be levied.

The only restriction is a production criteria on the beer brands that the tenant can choose. It specifies that no more than 5,000 hectolitres (hl) of the brand of beer should have been produced in the previous production year for it to be eligible. If it’s a new brand then the brewery should be clear that no more than 5,000hl will be produced in the new production year.

While this is frustrating, it is the result of several years of negotiation with the Scottish Government. It’s a long story best told over a beer, but SIBA pushed for the definition to be based on a brewery size in line with Small Breweries’ Relief. We were promised during the passing of the legislation that it was possible to include this in the regulations later on. It then transpires they weren’t legally able to do this and could only define it in relation to a brand. They then wanted to make this 60,000hl per brand which we lobbied hard to successfully reduce to 5,000hl.

Nevertheless, given that 80% of UK breweries produce no more than 5,000hl in total per year let alone a single brand, it

Barry Watts is Head of Public Affairs and Policy at SIBA. He covers political relations and policy for SIBA members. He can be contacted at barry.watts@siba.co.uk or 07977837804.

should mean that the vast majority of beers from small breweries are eligible for the scheme. It would also mean that existing brands from Globally owned breweries are not. Certainly there is room for some gerrymandering but the scheme does appear as if it will provide a new opportunity for independent brewers and the chance for tenants to respond to customers’ demands to improve consumer choice.

To help tenants and pub operators to determine which brands meet the criteria of the scheme, SIBA has been developing a new online portal. This will allow independent breweries to list the brands they want to make available in Scotland to tenants that meet the production criteria. It will be free for tenants, pubcos and the Pubs Code Adjudicator to access and free for all breweries to list. More information on this and the scheme will be coming your way soon.

For those thinking that this might be an interesting addition for the Pubs Code in England and Wales, the statutory review is fast approaching before the Summer this year. The previous Government said during the last review that it would consider potential legislative changes to the Code. Perhaps this represents an opportunity for Westminster to consider carefully what they are doing in Scotland. Viva la revolution!

As ever, if you want to know more or have any views on any of these issues please do get in touch using the details opposite.

To help tenants and pub operators to determine which brands meet the criteria of the scheme, SIBA has been developing a new online portal. This will allow independent breweries to list the brands they want to make available in Scotland to tenants that meet the production criteria.

IS YOUR BREWERY

MISSING OUT?

Offering a range of Membership benefits from as little as £3.15 per week, SIBA, the BIG Voice of Independent Beer is the one stop shop for Independent Craft Breweries SIBA are committed to ensuring that our Members’ are equipped with the Tools, Legislative advice, access to market and insight data required to run a successful Brewing business Look out for the * to see what you could be saving by joining SIBA.

SALES

Various opportunities for increasing sales within the on and off trade accounts through direct delivery, resources or exclusivity at prestigious events

PROMOTION Exclusive access to promote your beers at prestigious events such as the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards, BeerX and much more Access to the BGBW event would cost a single brewery *£4k, with other events costing much more.

INDIE CAMPAIGN Stand out from ‘big beer’ by increasing visibility on your brands with discounted Indie bottle Caps, Cask Crowners, Keg Promo fix - assuring consumers that they are buying from an Independent Craft Brewer.

An option for all SIBA members to develop on trade sales by supplying to large pub operators at a price band of your choice and with favourable payment terms

INTEL

The average Beerflex Member generating *£15k turnover.

Raising the bar for your brewery and beer by obtaining invaluable industry information and data

REGIONAL MEETINGS Access to quarterly meetings, with presentations from industry experts and members of the SIBA Management Team, with complimentary food and beer for you and your fellow brewers

LOBBYING Securing Support & Advice via Political representation with a user friendly synopsis of Government Legislation available to members

GOVERNANCE Eligibility to take a seat at the table of SIBA Board Directors, helping set the strategic direction of the trade association

BREWING IN BRIEF Weekly email newsletter, containing member news, Industry news and upcoming events A snap shot of the week in brewing

CRAFT BEER REPORT Opportunity to contribute towards data insight and analysis on brewing businesses and the industry, providing invaluable data for your business planning

SIBA LEGAL HELPLINE: 0845 671 0277

BUSINESS ADVICE & ACCOUNTANTCY FREE one-hour consultation from Johnston Carmichael, who offer brewers a wide range of services, from payroll and accounting to corporate finance, taxation and business strategy

LEGAL ADVICE Members can contact the dedicated SIBA Legal Helpline, facilitated by Napthen’s Solicitors for 1 hour FREE advice With legal specialists covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland ensuring no eligible SIBA member goes without There is no limit on the number of times members can contact the helpline. Potential saving of *£200 per call.

ACCESS

Unlocking access to exclusive

whether it be entering

BUSINESS

From Legal issues, to user friendly calculators and Tools, SIBA has its members covered in all areas with the Business Benefits, potentially saving each member a substantial amount of time & money

HR & EMPLOYMENT Covering all areas within HR & Employment, SIBA Members have access to an array of Templates to customise to their own business branding in addition to a 30 min *free* HR consultation with a team of HR experts Estimate value exceeding *£3000

COMPLIANCE Assisting members with legal compliance, a number of Tools are available for members to customise to their own business needs From HACCP and traceability tools, H&S guides, a practical guide to labelling your draught and packaged products and Insurance guidance to ensure you are fully covered Est value in the region of *£3000

COSTING TOOL A Tool aimed at smalled brewers whom perhaps are unable to justify the expense of accounts personnel. Members can access at any time the Brewery Costing Tool to ensure that your sell price is calculated to run a sustainable business

DEBT RECOVERY & DISPUTES Debt recovery & insolvency are hot topics at the moment and members can access free of charge template letters to customise and issue Saving on average *£500

ALCOHOL DUTY In addition to ensuring Independent Brewers voices are being heard in Government, SIBAs Political team supply members with user friendly guides and simplified Duty calculators

LEGAL PORTAL Taking away from our members the stress and pressures of being kept up to date on Legislations The SIBA Legal Portal, in collaboration with Napthens Solicitors contains every day legal documents tailored to Brewing Businesses

INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS From brewery equipment to ingredients, to business saving experts and promotional items Members can find a SIBA Supplier Associate Member for every business need from the SIBA Trade Directory.

EXCLUSIVE SERVICES Access to a range of discounts and offers - from Business & Commercial, Brewing Services & Capital equipment, SIBA have a range of offers provided by our Supplier Members Saving *£’s.

JOINT PURCHASE SCHEMES From glassware to beer mats and bar runners - SIBA are able to offer its members promotional items at competitive rates.

WEBINARS Opportunity for you and your team to attend an unlimited number of live & recorded webinars covering a range of subjects. Saving *£80 per webinar.

AWARDS With Beer Competitions for cask, keg and packaged judged by beer sommeliers and Business Awards judged by industry leaders, members have unlimited entries into SIBA Competitions with winners having the opportunity to be included within exclusive event promotions and to liaise with buyers and retailers across the UK *£450 (based on three entries into similar awards)

FREE ADVERTISING Forget Facebook Marketplace - SIBA Classified Ads is the place to advertise everything and anything Brewery related From equipment for sale or a wanted section, all ads are free to members Job vacancy? Find the right candidate by posting for free on the SIBA Jobs Board. *£85.

CASK REPATRIATION INC ORANGE LABELS Protecting your assets with cost effective semi-permanent labels to affix to containerskeeping track of your containers across the country!

BEERX Owners of the UK’s largest Independent Brewing Trade Show, members can access SIBA’s flagship event FREE A forever expanding Trade Show showcasing the best beer industry suppliers and packed seminar schedules, from workshop to informative seminars led by key industry personnel - saving *£65, based on 2x Delegate Passes

Taproom Focus: The Indian Brewery, Birmingham

Taproom focus with Neil Walker

SIBA’s Head of Comms & Marketing Neil Walker highlights one of his favourite taprooms to visit in the UK…

Name: The Indian Brewery Taproom

What’s on offer: 8 keg and 3 cask beers from the Indian Brewery range, including some collaboration beers, plus 2 draught ciders and a range of small pack options, cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks and wines. Food is a modern take on Indian classics with pakora pops, a range of Indian pizza options and loaded masala fries among the dishes on the menu.

Location: 1 Mary Ann Street, Birmingham B3 1RL

Taproom hours:

Monday – Thursday: 16.30 – 23.00

Friday – Saturday: 12.00 – 23.00

Sunday: 12.00 – 20.00

Located in the heart of the Birmingham city centre jewellery quarter, the brand new Indian Brewery taproom is a truly impressive space, inside an imposing and iconic building. With huge windows and high ceilings, the red bricked industrial space is light and bright, with rows of bierkeller-style benches allowing room for hundreds of beer-lovers.

The food menu is likely to be as big a draw as the beers, with Indian small-plates and pizzas proving hugely popular in a taproom that appeals to a broad range of customers and feels open and inviting to everyone.

The brewery’s flagship Pekok lager is a real crowd-pleaser with the relatively low carbonation and unfiltered body giving the impression of a kellerbier, and something which goes really well with spicy food.

Looking to their cask beers, my pick has to be their delicious Indian Summer pale ale. An easy drinking, citrussy pale ale that really shines on cask with a balanced bitterness and great hop character wrapped up in a sessionable 4% ABV beer.

All images © Tom Bird

Wild Horse Brewing Co: Tramcar IPA

Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing, a former British Guild of Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year, sits down with Wild Horse’s Head Brewer Chris Wilkinson to find out more about the brewery’s award-winning IPA, Tramcar…

At the tail end of last year, Wild Horse Brewing Co’s co-founder Dave Farager and head brewer Chris Wilkinson drove from their Llandudno base to Finchampstead to brew a classically-styled West Coast Pale Ale with us at Elusive. I took the opportunity to sit down with Chris to discuss their journey over the past 10 years and dissect their fantastic Tramcar IPA, which recently took home the gold in the keg IPA category at the 2024 SIBA Wales & West Independent Beer Awards.

Wild Horse is now in its 10th year of its mission to bring American inspired hop forward beers to north Wales. What's that journey been like both in terms of establishing initial trade, growing the business and building a team?

“Challenging! Of course starting and growing any business involves lots of challenges. Perhaps we found it more difficult because we are a keg and bottle (now can) only brewery in a rural area where beer traditionally meant kegged lager and cask. We have always prioritised supplying the local and regional on-trade and it took a long time to convince the pubs that there was value in local keg, that drinkers were interested in seeing modern craft styles on the bar and were willing to pay for it.

“We've built a great team and that's allowed us to set and maintain high standards, which has been key. People will try your beer once because it's local, they will keep drinking it if the beer is consistently good. Recruitment has been one of our biggest challenges over the years and at times it has been tough. There are only so many beer geeks out there interested in getting their hands dirty and, again, we're in a rural area which means we're drawing from a shallow talent pool. We've done a lot of work to broaden the appeal of our job adverts when we recruit and actually most of our more recent hires had no or limited interest in the beer scene before they joined the team.

Homebrew in Focus columnist Andy Parker

Wild Horse Brewing Co: Tramcar IPA Recipe for 20L at 75% efficiency

Specification OG 1.064

10.14

Water - we target a 2:1 sulphate to chloride ratio for this beer to amplify the hop character and balance out the malt sweetness

Mash for 60 mins at 66C

5.6kg Simpson's Extra Pale Ale Malt

170g Simpson's Caramalt

170g Simpson's Dextrin Malt

Boil Hops

30 IBU Columbus at First Wort Hop

20 IBU Chinook at 10 mins

Whirlpool at 80C

60g Idaho 7

60g Mosaic

Dry Hop

60g Chinook

60g Mosaic

120g Idaho 7

Yeast - your favourite hazy IPA strain (we use London Ale III)

hazy and hoppy. These days we try to keep our range balanced, so alongside our flagship Session IPA Nokota, our core lager Buckskin and a rotation of hazy and hoppy beers we aim to always have a dark beer available as well as a seasonal, either a European style or something with more malt character like a Red Ale, and usually something West Coast as well.”

IPA as a category has evolved lots during that time and is now broader than ever with the haze craze here to stay. How would you describe Tramcar? Is it firmly New England juice in style or does it have roots in the bold and bitter IPAs of old?

“My entry point into beer was drinking local cask. I love the heritage and tradition of British brewing and there is a balance in a well made Bitter in particular that for me gives the ultimate drinkability. But held up against the craft beer scene British beer had a bit of an image problem.

“Then I heard about this brewery called The Alchemist in Vermont which made one of the most coveted IPAs in the world, a revolution in terms of flavour and aroma. I did some research, eventually tried Heady Topper, and there's John Kimmich talking about using British malt and British ale yeast. That really struck a chord with me - I loved the idea that there was a thread of traditional British brewing running through this celebrated modern beer.

“So my aim with Tramcar was to lean into that idea and design a beer that was aromatically hop-forward and intense while also focusing on balance and drinkability. I've never been the biggest fan of the very softest hazy IPAs purely because I find the very low bitterness leaves them short of drinkability. For me the sign of a good beer is when you want to drink a second, or third, glass and bitterness is a key element.”

How do you approach recipe development when designing a new IPA?

“There are so many resources now and so much knowledge being shared that it often starts with reading about a new process or technique and thinking how it might work in our brewery. I actually like to place some limits on myself when I'm designing a new beer, so most new recipes lean on something we have done before, that we like and know works for us, and then I'll introduce something new. By starting with something we know we're in a better position to gauge the impact of that change.”

Tell us about the recipe for Tramcar and any tips you can offer those wishing to brew it.

Finding great people and convincing them to join our project is one of our biggest successes as a business.”

How has your range and how you approach brewing your beers changed over the years and how would you describe it now?

“The aim from the outset was to have a strong presence in bars across North Wales so we've always focused on pub-friendly beers in terms of styles and ABV. Our approach to the range hasn't really changedwe still focus on beers that we think will have appeal on the bar, but we're much better at brewing than we were when we opened!

“Our original core range was an American Blond, a Porter and an American Pale Ale with limited scope to brew specials - all very 2015. We went through a phase where almost everything we brewed was

“Tramcar was first brewed in early 2019 and started out as a rotating hop IPA, although I settled on the percentage splits of the hop grist quite early on. Switching up the hops in earlier versions really helped me to get familiar with lots of different hop varieties.

“We target a higher kettle gravity and then use cold liquor to drop the kettle temperature to below 85C before adding the whirlpool hops. This helps keep the bitterness pick-up in check while loading the wort with aromatics. Create a whirlpool, add the hops and allow to stand for 20 mins. Chill to around 17C and pitch your yeast, setting your FV to 18C. At around two-thirds way through fermentation (SG ~1.030 or after 48 hours) raise the set point to 20C and allow the temperature to rise.

“Once at a stable final gravity, soft crash the FV to 14C, remove any yeast that has settled and add the dry hops for two days. Monitor the gravity for hop creep and check for diacetyl before cold crashing to 2C. Cellar for a week before packaging, carbonating to around 2.6 vols of CO2.”

SIBA’s purpose & focus:

A deep dive into what we’ve achieved and where we’re headed

What do you see as SIBA’s most important role in the current market?

“Sometimes it’s good to have a simple idea at the heart of everything you do, and for myself and the SIBA Team that is growing independent beer’s market share to 20%. It is at the very heart of everything we do, and whether it is creating consumer pull for beer from genuine independent breweries with the Indie Beer campaign or lobbying for better access to the pubs market for business, this principle of growing market share is always in the back of our minds.

“Given the competitive market for beer in the UK it’s amazing how collaborative the British independent brewing industry is, and by working together we can push the boundaries and increase the market share we’re all working within.”

What was one of your highlights of the last 12 months?

“It’s safe to say that the Indie Beer campaign was our most successful campaign launch ever and the media coverage and response was genuinely astounding, with blanket coverage across the National press, a Guardian editorial endorsing the campaign, and a dozen region-specific ITV News pieces featuring

2024 was a big year for SIBA. Not only did our name change as part of a striking new rebrand, but the organisation launched a bold and hard-hitting new consumer campaign with ‘Indie Beer’ – aimed at blowing away the smoke and mirrors caused by the Global ownership of some ‘craft’ brands, and making sure those who want to support independent businesses can make an informed choice to do so.

If that wasn’t enough, we also had the biggest BeerX ever (until 2025, fingers crossed), new guest beer legislation in Scotland and an announcement from Government of a review of the ways in which small brewers can get better access to pubs and bars across the UK.

In this big picture piece we take a look at SIBA’s overarching goals, the strategies being employed to deliver them, and how the achievements of the organisation in 2024 could set the scene for a very important 2025 for the independent brewing industry.

Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive, is leading the small team taking on some big challenges. We caught up with him in mid-January as preparations for BeerX were already underway, and the team was preparing for a busy year ahead…

indie brewers from across the UK. But more than that it was the hugely positive response we received from members that is the big success story, giving brewers something which galvanises them together and can be utilised by members – and indeed non-members - of all shapes and sizes.

“I think what has worked so well about the campaign and has helped us reach beyond the beer bubble to average consumers or casual

In order for there to be a sustainable market for all independent breweries we need to make it easier for consumers to get a hold of local beers – whether that’s in pubs, beer shops, or high street retailers.

beer drinkers is that we have kept a really simple, consistent message. The campaign at its core is there to make sure that every person who wants to spend their money on a local, independent beer – and the research clearly shows that this is a growing contingent – is actually doing so.”

What are your team’s priorities for 2025?

“The SIBA Senior Management Team, led by myself as Chief Executive, consists of three very experienced Heads of Department; Rachel Hariott who overseas our Membership and Commercial Operations, Neil Walker who manages our Communications and Marketing, and Barry Watts who handles our Policy and Public Affairs. Together with our incredibly dedicated SIBA staff team we have a very busy and important 2025 ahead of us. Over the last couple of years we have tried to galvanise independent brewers of all types to focus their efforts on the things we all agree on. This will be top priority again this year with particular

emphasis on the Indie Beer campaign and being as helpful as we can to the Government's review of the supply of beer into UK pubs and bars. We also look forward to improving still further the Indie Beer Report, improving the service and advice we give to members, developing Beerflex to enhance brewers' access to market, at an improved margin, in the tied estates and of course lobbying government on your behalf on a range of topics. All of the above - and the successful running of SIBAs biggest ever BeerX in Liverpool - is enough to keep the incredible team at SIBA busy for the year ahead.”

The SIBA UK Brewery Tracker in January worryingly showed 100 less breweries than the same time in 2024. What do you think is causing this?

“As I have said before, and we still know to be true, the issue for small independent breweries is not a lack of demand from consumers, it is access to market and profitability. Speaking to small breweries who sadly decided to close in the last 12 months, the story remains almost always, ‘there’s just not enough money in it anymore’ or ‘we are working far too hard for too little profit’.

“But where breweries have good, diverse sales channels and access to market, sometimes created by themselves through webshops and taprooms, we know businesses are continuing to grow. In order for there to be a sustainable market for all independent breweries we need to make it easier for consumers to get a hold of local beers – whether that’s in pubs, beer shops, or high street retailers. Everywhere we look the access is controlled by Global beer brands and in 2025 that has to be challenged in a variety of ways, both in our lobbying of Government and input to the market access consultation, and in our consumer campaigning.”

2024 IN REVIEW

SIBA has launched Scotland’s biggest craft beer festival Scotland’s largest beer festival of its kind, Indie Beer Scotland 2024, took place in September in the Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House in Glasgow.

The festival featured over 200 different Scottish cask and craft keg beers from 23 different breweries, as well as independent cider and spirits, plus live music from eight different acts across the three sessions. Indie Beer Scotland is organised by Scottish brewers from SIBA and, now in its third year, has become the must-attend Scottish festival for indie beer lovers.

The SIBA Independent Beer Report

New for 2024, our flagship annual report was launched at a dedicated event at Sambrook’s Brewery. The inaugural event saw over 60 SIBA members, media and industry analysts attend to hear the key findings.

SIBA is planning an even bigger launch event for 2025, so watch this space!

SIBA Workforce Report

SIBA published the latest version of its Workforce Report in 2024, which is free to access for all brewers via the Toolbox. Recruiting and keeping hold of good team members is a concern for many of SIBA’s members and this report is designed to support brewers in implementing best practice in areas such as setting salary levels.

The report is an offshoot of SIBA’s annual Independent Beer Report, with the 2025 report due this Summer.

The SIBA Jobs Board

The ability to retain and attract staff is something most brewers talk about as a challenge to growth in the current market. To this end, SIBA launched a new SIBA Jobs Board, aiming to help independent brewers with this difficult challenge. The Jobs Board is easily accessed by members and non-members, so applicants looking for work in the brewing industry have one place to search and placing job ads on the site is free for SIBA members.

Free financial advice

In 2024, SIBA significantly expanded the professional advice and support it offers to its members. SIBA Members can now access an Accountancy and Business Advisory Service as well as expanded services through the Toolbox’s Professional Advice & Support page including a free hour-long consultation with Johnston Carmichael; specialists in Business Advice and Accountancy, as well as Citation, who offer discounted services to SIBA Members, across a number of topics.

Free HR and compliance support

To supplement the 1 hour free legal advice offered by SIBA Gold Members Napthens, After Athena, experts in Employment Law, HR & Health & Safety, and part of the Napthens Group, offer SIBA Members a free 30-minute consultation to help in identifying the learning and development needs within their business.

Whether this be people management skills or how to run an HR process from beginning to end, the team can help brewers understand any skills gaps and provide ideas and solutions to help develop employees.

SIBA INDEPENDENT BEER WORKFORCE REPORT

2024 IN REVIEW

A fresh new look and name change for SIBA

Last year saw the launch of SIBA’s new brand identity, with a fresh new look for the association and a change in name to reflect the expanding membership, becoming the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates.

As well as representing independent breweries, SIBA also has brewing industry Supplier Associate members, including ingredients suppliers, brewery manufacturers and service companies, and more recently expanded membership to include associate homebrewer and international brewing members.

The new SIBA logo highlights ‘Independent’ in the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates and uses a ‘loudhailer’ symbol to emphasise SIBA as the Big Voice of Independent Brewing.

SIBA National Homebrew Competition

Going from strength to strength, this year’s SIBA National Homebrew Competition marks the 60th anniversary of Maris Otter malt with a new dark beer challenge.

The competition, launched after SIBA opened its membership to Homebrewers, this year partners with leading London brewery Five Points, malt specialists Crisp Malt and The Malt Miller, to challenge homebrewers to brew the best British Dark Beer.

The SIBA National Homebrew Beer Awards 2025 will give one talented homebrewer the opportunity to brew their winning beer with the expert team at Five Points, with the beer being available in their pub and taproom. The winner will be announced at BeerX in March.

SIBA and Women on Tap launch new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ Award

The SIBA Business Awards 2025 include a brand new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ Award in partnership with industry group Women on Tap. The new award celebrates independent breweries who have made equality, diversity and inclusivity a central part of their business - be that with a focus on gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodiversity, or age.

The SIBA Business Awards seek to congratulate excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, and are judged by a panel of industry experts and presented at BeerX in Liverpool every March.

TRANSPORTING BEER TO BOTTLING?

Arlington's revolutionary 1000L containers, coupled with sterile airless inner liners, have swiftly emerged as the gold standard for maintaining hygiene and preserving beer quality during transportation from the brewery to bottling or canning. Offering a cost-effective solution, these transport tanks ensure zero contamination and eradicate the risk of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), safeguarding the integrity of your precious brew throughout its journey, But Arlington doesn't stop there. In an ongoing quest to enhance beer quality, we've introduced innovative solutions to further minimize oxygen exposure during the filling process. Our cutting-edge "Air Bleed Valve" allows brewers to expel all air from their filling hoses. ensuring an airfree flow of beer right up to the valve on the liner, eliminating any residual air in pipes or fittings. This breakthrough significantly reduces the risk of oxygen pickup during filling, yielding exceptional results for brewers and packers alike.

For those venturing to send their beer on extended journeys or planning for prolonged storage periods, Arlington offers an additional layer of protection with our high Oxygen and UV Barrier Liners (Metalized Foil Liners). These premium opaque liners feature the highest oxygen barrier film available in the market today, guaranteeing unparalleled preservation of your brew's freshness and flavour integrity. What's more. Arlington Containers and liners are readily available in stock, with same-day dispatch and no minimum order quantity. Whether you're transporting 500L or 20.000L+. our efficient tracked logistics ensure prompt delivery, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency and quality for your operation.

BID FAREWELL TO OXYGEN CONTAMINATION WITH ARLINGTON

When it comes to moving your brew, don't settle for compromises. Choose Arlington, the industry's trusted partner, dedicated to preserving the purity and quality of your beer every step of the way.

www.arlingtonpackaging.com or call us on 01672 563723 Pewsey, Wiltshire. SN9 5PZ

BeerX UK

Back for 2025 and bigger and better than ever is SIBA’s flagship event BeerX, which is due to take place in Liverpool on March 19th and 20th.

The event is the largest gathering of its kind in the UK’s independent beer sector and sees thousands of visitors enjoy two days or seminars, tastings, lectures and workshops, as well as celebrating the national winners of SIBA’s beer and business awards competitions, and enjoying a range of tap take-overs and other fringe events put on across the city.

Manifesto success

In 2024, SIBA continued its focus on lobbying on behalf of its members and launched its manifesto in Westminster ahead of the General Election last Summer.

In its manifesto, SIBA outlined the policies that could boost the sector over the next five years. This included guaranteeing independent breweries a guest beer and making it clear to consumers who brews the beer that’s served in the pub – both areas that have since been picked up by the new Government and through SIBA’s Indie Beer Campaign.

2024 IN REVIEW

Brewery visits by MPs and Ministers

Meeting ministers and MPs in person has been key to SIBA’s influence on Government policy and last year’s change of Government saw the team meeting with more politicians than ever.

Many of these meetings were hosted by SIBA Members at their breweries, so that the politicians were able to see first hand the challenges independent brewers are facing.

Meetings like this are vital in getting SIBA’s message across and amplifying the voice of independent brewers. SIBA’s Head of Public Affairs and Policy, Barry Watts, can help to arrange an MP visit to your brewery, contact him at barry.watts@siba.co.uk for more details.

Thanks to @SamuelJoynson for joining us on an excellent tour of @steamtownbrewco today

Pouring and sampling some excellent London Black with local candidate @RachelBentleyNB and Jack from @AnspachHobday

@EdwardJDavey and @mpmwilko did a good job cleaning out the mash tun @BKCheltenham today. Great to talk to them about the challenges facing beer, pubs and hospitality

SIBA Beerflex

SIBA’s Beerflex system, a key tool in the fight for better market access for independent brewers, has seen several improvements during the past 18 months. Prices are now set by a brewer on first listings, and no longer connected to the ABV, alongside an online order portal for customers, ensuring brewers’ brands are marketed to their full potential. The scheme is designed to assist brewers by making their beers available in the areas of their choice to those local on- and off-trade retail outlets which are owned by national groups. Beerflex is designed to be simple but effective and give independent brewers access to pubs which may otherwise be closed off to buying their beer - and as a not-for-profit trade association the small % of each transaction SIBA earns through Beerflex is reinvested back into the trade association, providing improved member services.

SIBA launches ‘Indie Beer’ campaign to champion independent beer and breweries

SIBA first launched an independence seal back in 2016, with the ‘Assured Independent British Craft Brewer’ logo, but the industry has changed considerably since then and SIBA last year launched a more effective campaign to promote and champion independent beer in the UK – using the ‘Indie Beer’ mark.

The aim of the campaign is to make the Indie Beer mark the recognisable standard for high quality craft and cask beer, brewed across the UK, by truly independent breweries.

The campaign has now been expanded for 2025 to include Indie Beer Week in April. A national initiative aimed at celebrating independent beer and promoting it to consumers through festivals, offers and events across the country.

Newly-crowned Beer Writer of the Year Ruvani de Silva, the first woman of colour and first queer person of colour to achieve this accolade, is also an outspoken campaigner for improved diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) within the food and drink sector. Here, she assesses the current mood when it comes to DEI and looks at some of the emerging cultural and political movements that have helped to stall, or in some cases even derail, the efforts of campaigners like herself…

Ruvani de Silva (she/her) is an award-winning travelloving beverage and food writer specialising in beer, spirits, sustainability, and all things Texan. A British Sri Lankan living in Austin, Texas, Ruvani is the founder of South Asian Beer Club and a vocal advocate for diversity, equality and inclusion in the beverage and food industries. Ruvani is the recipient of the British Guild of Beer Writers Michael Jackson Beer Writer of the Year 2024 award. Find her online at @amethyst_ heels and ruvanidesilva.com

Guest writer: Ruvani de Silva

DEI is not a trend. DEI is proven to be profitable. DEI initiatives benefit everyone. And crucially, the work starts at home – while change from above matters tremendously it is up to us to decide how we want our industry to be and make it happen for ourselves.

2025 will be a pivotal year for diversity in beer. With much of the world quite literally burning, the cost-of-living crisis slicing quality of life for many, the frightening cultural infraction of AI and global extremism at a terrifying high, you might think that diversity in beer should be the least of our worries. I’m afraid you’re wrong. We’ve heard this argument before. As I began to write this piece, my words felt eerily familiar. I took a moment to revisit some of my writing from 2019 and 2020, and there on my screen raged the exact same sentiments: DEI is not a trend. DEI is proven to be profitable. DEI initiatives benefit everyone. And crucially, the work starts at home – while change from above matters tremendously it is up to us to decide how we want our industry to be and make it happen for ourselves.

To me, 2024 was a year of mixed messaging for DEI. Winning five British Guild of Beer Writers awards, including the Michael Jackson Beer Writer of the Year has, aside from being a huge personal achievement, felt like a move forward. I am the first woman of colour and the first queer person of colour to attain this accolade. Most significantly, I was recognised outside and beyond my DEI work – as a beer writer, not just an activist. Beyond my own accomplishments, I’ve been delighted to see many other beer professionals from marginalised groups thrive and achieve recognition – brewers, owners, writers, hospitality pros and consultants with diverse identities who are making their mark on the industry. But if you think that means ‘job done’ you could not be more wrong. Scarily the pendulum is taking a swing the other way.

The quiet decline of DEI in beer might not have made the same waves as actions at Amazon, Walmart or Meta, but it is equally real. The steady rollback of initiatives I chronicled in my awardwinning article for Pellicle on DEI burnout has now reached a whinnying gallop, particularly in the US where protections against misinformation are evaporating far faster than boiling wort. No, immigrants are not eating pets in Springfield. Neither does DEI cause wildfires. Yes, it’s absurd that we have to even respond to these bizarre accusations but we do, because we can no longer assume that common sense and fact-checking will prevail. So far in 2025, they have not.

What does this mean for the beer industry? In beer, as in much else in life, the United Kingdom has a tendency, rightly or wrongly, to pick up American trends. From palate-scraping IBUs to cryo-tastic hazy-bois, from the unfortunate primacy of 16oz cans to chucking pretty much any sugary substance into a milkshake sour or stout, the Yanks have sent it our way. As an adoptive American this used to fill me with excitement (NB not necessarily these particular trends). Even in the wilds of Texas I would be on top of the Next Big Thing In Beer before my British compatriots. Now, it fills me with dread. DEI is dead in the water on this side of the pond, proving once and for all

the Sam Calagione adage about the craft brewing community being 99% arsehole-free is not and was not ever true. We don’t have all day, so I’ve pulled out a few particularly rankling examples.

Calling out the problem is not making me popular. Responses from the North American Guild of Beer Writers to this same Pellicle piece included concerning feedback that “the story ends up sounding like these small businesses ought to be investing in a direction that has not proven to be something that increases its bottom line”. Aside from the poor grammar in this sentence, this is a proven untruth, with everyone from international management consultancy McKinsey to the Harvard Business Review demonstrating clear links between DEI and profitability. The same commentator also described DEI as “a nice-to-have but not a need”, reducing initiatives to guarantee equal treatment and opportunity and safe working conditions to the status of sprinkles on a cookie. This would be funny if it wasn’t true. Your cringeworthy uncle who calls you woke when you counter his bigotry with sound economic reasoning has just got a revamp as a beer writer at a prestigious publication.

Another commentator ruefully noted that, “It was just a couple of years ago that nearly every article submitted for this category was about DEI, and today, it's a small percentage”. This indicates the significant drop in demand for stories about marginalised groups, further limiting our voice and denoting DEI as a fading trend in the industry.

Unfortunately, DEI rollback is not limited to beer writing. The recently launched Hurray Girl Beer brand is an embarrassment I had hoped would quietly sink before even attempting to set sail. However, with the support of the popular Beer Crunchers newsletter, a brand new shiny award from industry arbiters BrewBound and distribution with none other than Whole Foods, the peons of upper-middle-class taste and acceptability, this egregious mess of a gender-biased nightmare has gained a significant foothold in legitimacy. Entrepreneur Ray Biebuyck, whose resume includes zero beer industry experience, has launched a marketing campaign vaunted by BrewBound as “intentionally subversive, rebellious”. This rebelliousness adds up to an attempt to market beer to women by dressing it up as low-cal ‘non-beer’ complete with ‘girlie’ flavours like pineapple yuzu and blueberry lavender. About as rebellious as John Lydon advertising Lurpak. Actually no, Lydon wins.

As we ready ourselves for the advent of Trump 2.0 stateside, DEI has moved from the passé of 2024 to actively ugly, readily dismissed and ridiculed. In a recent social media post, an American brewery employee outlined in horrifying detail their experiences of working in an environment where sexism, racism, homophobia and ableism are rife throughout the organisation, including the management structure. A particularly egregious example includes men laughing at women’s experiences of harassment – during antibias training.

Continued on page 39

Management and the trainer joined in. The level of violent hate speech and bigotry documented is mind-blowing, and when they filed an ethics report, colleagues retaliated aggressively. Yet, instead of igniting a blaze of social media fire a la Brienne Allan four years ago, this post has received just 68 likes and 19 responses at this time – most of which commiserate without means to recourse. This is where we are right now. This is our reality.

If you think these are isolated incidents, you may possibly be someone who believed that racism at Founders was an isolated incident. Unfortunately, it seems many drinkers do think just that. A swift scan through social media or UnTappd reveals that many craft beer fans still buy Founders, BrewDog and Hill Farmstead, among other brands with documented histories of inappropriate workplace conduct. Back in the UK, BrewDog has recently become the official supplier of none other than Lord’s Cricket Ground, one of the most venerable institutions in British sport. This is huge social clemency for a brand whose appalling record on sexual harassment, staff intimidation, workplace safety and misappropriation of funds is so well-known as to be the subject of a BBC documentary. And if the BBC can’t get the message across, who can? Many drinkers at Lord’s will be unfamiliar with the craft beer community, won’t know or necessarily care what they are drinking, note the brand and start ordering BrewDog at bars and restaurants, sealing their acceptability. For DEI advocates and activists, our heads are in our hands.

There is a lot to not feel good about, but as individuals and organisations, we can push back. Every action matters, so even though we may feel helpless and that the system is stacked against us, we can still support DEI in meaningful ways. If you are a brewery owner or manager, you

As we ready ourselves for the advent of Trump 2.0 stateside, DEI has moved from the passé of 2024 to actively ugly, readily dismissed and ridiculed. In a recent social media post, an American brewery employee outlined in horrifying detail their experiences of working in an environment where sexism, racism, homophobia and ableism are rife throughout the organisation, including the management structure. A particularly egregious example includes men laughing at women’s experiences of harassment – during antibias training. Management and the trainer joined in.

can invest in DEI training, which will pay off through productivity, staff retention and reputation. SIBA’s new Diversity Champion award is an important step towards recognising and formalising the role of businesses in shaping culture, and spotlighting diversity on an equal platform with other industry achievements. Joining collaborative initiatives like Women On Tap’s International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day offer opportunities to come together as a community who believe in DEI, whether you’re an industry member or supporter.

Never forget, money is huge. Supporting breweries who are owned by and/or advocate for the rights of marginalised groups is one of the easiest ways to promote DEI – putting our money where our mouths are matters. Digging into resources on allyship and diverse beer history might sound daunting, but it will enable you to push back against misinformation and know how to support struggling activists, helping to allay burnout. Check out stats from reports by Sightlines and Dea Latis as to the fiscal importance of marginalised groups to the industry.

For us, those struggling activists, it’s important to remember that we haven’t failed. For many of us, this is another piece of a lifelong mission to achieve equality in a biased world – to put DEI out of a job is to make it real. Mutual respect, trust, understanding and parity need to be woven seamlessly into the fabric of our industry, as they must be into the world at large, for us to have won the DEI battle. This is hard work, and as I’ve documented, burnout is real. Pacing ourselves and giving ourselves breaks is crucial to not giving up, as is supporting one another. 2025 will be tough, but we’ve got this – if we all pull together and stand by our beliefs to make this the industry and community we want it to be.

Guest writer: Ruvani de Silva

Ruvani accepts her Beer Writer of the Year award from the British Guild of Beer Writers

Craft Union

Thornbridge Brewery’s Production Manager

Dominic Driscoll cut his teeth at Marble Brewery in Manchester before taking a job at the much-larger Thornbridge operation in 2011. Thinking originally that the move would be a good career stepping stone, Dominic fell in love with the culture and passion within the Thornbridge team and will soon celebrate 15 years at the Bakewell site. But despite working there for almost a decade and a half, Dominic has been far from static in his role, taking on the leadership of some of the brewery’s most ambitious projects, including the recent installation of a historic Burton Union system,

rescued from Carlsberg Marston’s, and some experimental work with new sustainable grain, Fonio, which could be one solution to the growing effects of climate change on beer production. This work, his respected leadership within the brewing team, and his dedication and commitment to achieving top quality in everything he produces, led to him being named Brewer of the Year at the recent British Guild of Beer Writers’ awards. Caroline Nodder, Independent Brewer’s Editor, spoke to Dominic in early January to hear more about his career, the Burton Union and Fonio projects, and his love for growing his own vegetables…

The Thornbridge team in front of the newly installed Union System

Meet the Brewer: Dominic Driscoll

Brewery Basics

Name: Dominic Driscoll

Years in the industry: 20

Qualifications: IBD Diploma (Mod1)

Career history:

2005-2010: Marble Brewery, Manchester

2011-now: Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell

Current role: Production Manager, Thornbridge Brewery

Awards: Thornbridge has picked up over 350 domestic and international awards, including over 100 for their flagship IPA, Jaipur. Dominic Driscoll was named Brewer of the Year in 2024 by the British Guild of Beer Writers.

What is your background and how did you first get in to brewing?

“I did Environmental Science at Manchester. And to fund my way through it, I went and got a job and I just fell into bar work, I really enjoyed it, just because it's very sociable. So I spent several years after University running a bar in Manchester, which I really enjoyed, but I knew it wasn’t a long term career option for me. I'm from Blackburn in Lancashire, originally, and so our local brewery was Thwaites. Everything we drank was Thwaites. And you sort of had to drink bitter, you weren't allowed to drink lager because it was perceived as a girls’ drink! And I remember taking my colleagues from the bar that I was managing [in Manchester] to Thwaites for a brewery tour. And that was it. I was just totally enamoured with it. I was a CAMRA member, and I actually ran a beer festival in Chorlton [South Manchester] as one of the first things I did with CAMRA, and that was my first experience of Marble beers - very lively, unfined and organic. They were already set apart from a lot of the other beers at the time. There were all the family brewers in Manchester - the Holts and John Willie Lees and Robinson's - but having a small, micro, independent brewery was something to be celebrated. And there were quite a few others coming through at the time as well, in 2003 or 2004. So I had become really interested in beer, plus brewing seemed fascinating, so I wrote to every brewery in Greater Manchester asking for a job! Thankfully, Marble took me on as an assistant brewer in 2005. It was very small at the time. It was a five barrel kit, and between

the three of us, we just shared all the duties. We brewed five times a week. We were flat out. And it was quite a nice little introduction to brewing. Because we were organic, we were using a lot of New Zealand hops, which were really pungent and aromatic at the time and hadn't really been noticed by a lot of other people. Then eventually we moved to bigger premises, and we'd been involved in setting up the new brewery, which was a good experience, but it felt like it was time to go and do something else, rather than stagnate.”

What led to you taking the role at Thornbridge?

“During my time at Marble I’d actually been on a trip to Holland for a beer festival, and met some of [the Thornbridge team] there. And we were good friends with Kelly [Ryan], who was the production manager prior to me, and then he left to go to New Zealand. So we were already quite good friends with the Thornbridge brewers, we were sharing ideas even before collaborations were the norm. I was already living over this way anyway, commuting into Manchester, and then I heard the opportunity was there, and grabbed it with both hands. I was offered a brewer role [at Thornbridge] at the end of 2010. My plan was to spend a few years here, learn what I could, and then take a role somewhere else, but I still haven’t found a good enough reason to move after 14 years!”

Continued on page 45

What is the ethos behind the beers you brew?

“I guess it’s a complete commitment to quality and making the very best beers we can. We like to think that if you see a Thornbridge beer on a bar, you can practically guarantee it’ll be an enjoyable pint.”

You were recently named as this year’s British Guild of Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year. How did that come about and what does it mean to you?

“It was definitely a surprise, as I’m not sure how the nomination process works or who voted for me, but a nice surprise all the same. The other nominees, Kate, James and Jacob, are all fantastic brewers in their own right and are achieving brilliant things at their respective breweries. I like to think it’s an award for the whole brewery team, from the brewers to the people pouring our pints in the taproom.”

You have recently been overseeing the project to install a Burton Union system at Thornbridge, how did that initiative come about?

“Essentially, we’d heard Carlsberg Marston’s were decommissioning all their remaining Burton Union sets, so we got in contact with them and managed to convince them to give us a portion of a set which we could then turn into a working Union system. To be fair to CMBC, we understood why they were getting rid of them – they are incredibly labour intensive and require a lot of hot water.”

Why was it so important to you and the team at Thornbridge that the Burton Unions were saved?

“The Union system is iconic and a huge part of British brewing history. We’ve had grown men from Burton with tears in their eyes hug us with gratitude when they’ve come to visit, so it obviously means a lot that the concept has not been thrown on the scrapheap or turned into a museum piece just yet.”

Brooklyn’s Garrett Oliver was instrumental in the project, what was it like working with him on such a historic initiative?

“Garrett has always been fascinated with the Burton Union system; an old print of a Union set hangs on a wall in his house! He was key in convincing CMBC that we were the right ‘fit’ and that it was a good idea. We’ve been lucky enough to work with Garrett several times; Brooklyn and Thornbridge have a special relationship and whenever we’ve worked with him before, it’s always been a project where we end up with something amazing, such as the Serpent project or the Fonio beer. He flew over in the summer and was actually the first to taste our inaugural brew of Jaipur Union.”

What challenges did you face in setting the system up and how will it work alongside the day-to-day brewing schedule at Thornbridge?

“We had to find somewhere to put it first! We opted to place it in the smaller brewery at the back of the taproom. CMBC’s fabrication team and Mark Newton, the cooper, helped us put it together and then Ben Wood, our brilliant technical brewer, and I came in at 4am one day to transfer the first wort in. The early start meant that if we somehow messed it up, no one would be around to document it! We’re brewing on it every two weeks now, which allows us enough time to complete fermentation in a timely manner, clean and sanitise everything properly and keep the barrels ‘wet’ and in good order.”

Continued on page 47

Dominic Driscoll receiving the Brewer of the Year 2024 award.

KEGS,CASKS AND DRINKS EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS

We work with brewers and distillers of all sizes to provide keg and cask rentals, container maintenance services and equipment finance solutions.

The Union system is iconic and a huge part of British brewing history. We’ve had grown men from Burton with tears in their eyes hug us with gratitude when they’ve come to visit, so it obviously means a lot that the concept has not been thrown on the scrapheap or turned into a museum piece just yet.

As a brewer, what does the Burton Union system bring to the process and what results have you had using it so far?

“We’re obviously still learning, having had it less than a year so far, but we’ve found that the beers we’ve produced have been quite ‘clean’, possibly owing to the collection of trub and extraneous yeast in the top trough, which doesn’t end up being collected. So far we’ve concentrated on brewing quite traditional styles, such as the Burton ale we did with the Kernel brewery, where we think our cask yeast strain can really shine. We’ve got some exciting collaboration brews coming up this year so I guess we’ll know more soon.”

How important is it to you to preserve brewing heritage in this way, and to what extend do traditional styles and methods inspire what you brew today?

“Our unique brewing heritage helps set British brewers apart in the world. The UK, along with Germany and Belgium, has one of the great brewing cultures which helped inspire the USA’s craft beer movement, which in turn inspired Thornbridge to brew Jaipur IPA all those years ago. We have a wealth of beer styles that we can call our own and use for inspiration, and with the Union set, we’re going to keep on innovating, having fun and making the kind of beers we can be proud of.”

Tell us more about the Fonio project that you worked with Garrett on as well?

“I love growing things. I've got a couple of allotments and I'm sort of as famous for growing big cabbages as I am for making beer! So Garrett initially told us about this grain Fonio, that’s grown in West Africa, and doesn't need constant irrigation or too much care. It'll grow on scrub land. It's a really sustainable crop. It doesn't need a lot of input, basically. So he's been using it in a few different projects around the world. He did a big thing with Guinness and he worked with a couple of big breweries in America, and then he picked us as well. So he said, ‘you guys are famous for making cask beer, which is something internationally that's quite different. So why don't we make a cask beer together?’ So we made a really nice, gentle pale ale that of showcases the flavours of the grain. It's actually got quite a nice flavour. We're still learning with it, because we've

only made one beer with it, but it gave us some flavours that we weren't expecting, which was nice. So, it's not just the fact that it's a brilliant, sustainable grain. It's things like that that keep it exciting, as a brewer.”

What current challenges do you see facing brewers like yourself?

“It’s been a crazy few years for our industry, particularly for small, independent brewers such as ourselves. Covid, inflation and the cost of living has meant that people’s drinking habits have changed and it’s a tough market to be in at the moment. We’ve just got to keep doing what we do best – making great beers that people enjoy.”

How do you see consumer tastes changing, if at all, when it comes to craft beer?

“It’s very difficult to predict the ‘next big thing’, but personally I think Hazy IPAs have been done to death and I think we’re seeing customers genuinely want something a bit more traditional and well made, like a great pint of bitter!”

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

“My role at Thornbridge is incredibly varied, which keep it challenging and means I never stop learning. For me, it’s the best brewing job in the country by a mile. But I have to say working with Rob, the head brewer, and Ben, the technical brewer, to solve problems and make great beer is what gets me out of bed in the morning.”

Do you see yourself seeing out your career at Thornbridge, or do you have other ambitions to do anything different?

“I did a Diploma in Horticulture a few years ago, and wouldn't mind running a little garden maintenance business one day. It really helps you take your mind off things. You can make a stout or a brown ale or a bitter and there’s lots of different hops and ingredients you can use, but there's dozens of different varieties of, say, broccoli or potatoes. For me that's very exciting as well, and all the work that goes in to growing. It's very productive and brewing beer is a productive industry as well. You come out with an end product and you have something to be proud of in that sort of way.”

Continued on page 49

Mad about beer and high yield?

The new game-changer: plug & win i centrifuge skid for craft brewers.

As a craft brewer who likes to do things your own way, the new GEA plug & win i centrifuge skid is exactly what you’re looking for:

• resource efficient solution

• no oxygen pick-up

• 10 % less energy consumption

• highly efficient

• available with attractive inline carbonization

Stay mad about beer and meet GEA at BeerX 2025 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Booth 122, on March 19–20, 2025.

Garrett Oliver: Saving The Unions

Brooklyn Brewery’s legendary Brewmaster Garrett Oliver was instrumental in launching the project to save the Burton Union sets, when Carlsberg Marston’s announced that the Union halls at Marston’s were being closed down. He made the connection to Thornbridge, and was one of the first to taste the first batch of beer produced using the newly installed Thornbridge Burton Union system. Independent Brewer’s Caroline Nodder caught up with him in January to find out more…

How did you become involved in the project to establish the Burton Union system at Thornbridge and how did the project unfold?

“While on holiday last January, we all had word of the imminent shuttering of the Burton Union halls at Marston’s and the impending demise of the Union sets. As someone who saw the Unions at work more than 20 years ago, I knew that they were a truly magical thing that ought not to be lost. And given my connections to the folks at Carlsberg Marston’s, I thought I might be able to act as a conduit for some of the Unions to have an active and vibrant future. So I became a matchmaker of sorts.”

Why do you believe Thornbridge is a good home for the system and how important was it that the Burton Unions found a new home?

“One could scarcely make up a better home for the Unions than Thornbridge. The brewery has a unique combination of serious brewing talent, a modern technical bent, a drive for innovation, resources built on a continuously strong business, and brewers with an almost reverent respect for the history and spirit of British brewing. I had no doubt whatsoever that they could pull this off. And just as importantly, they can display the system and get people excited about it. As for the importance of the Unions, I think it’s no exaggeration to say that the Burton Union system basically built the British brewing industry. The great brewing empires like Bass were built on it, the prominence of IPA was built on it, modern cask ale was built on it. For the unions to fall silent would have been a tragedy.”

What’s unique about beer brewed using the Burton Union system and why did it fall out of use?

“The Burton Unions are almost like a brewing version of a steam locomotive. They are beautiful, difficult and expensive to maintain, and require a very specific set of skills to operate. But they somehow bring something unique to their work. A steam train journey is nothing like riding on the Eurostar, though both get you from one place to another. In the case of the Unions, you get a beer which is softer, rounder and more expressive. But also, as with wines, part of the beauty of drinking Union-brewed beers is knowing how they were made and what skill it takes to make them. We understand this in the wine world - look at Champagne - but we don’t always apply the same loving eye to beer.”

What does being able to preserve this slice of brewing history mean to you as a brewer and to the wider industry?

“Any art form or craft that is willing to discard its history is doomed to eventual irrelevance. Yes, brewing is technical, but it is also a human thing, and when practiced by a true brewer, it is almost spiritual. My brewing career was spurred by the time I spent living in London in the early 80s. I later apprenticed to a Yorkshireman who’d been a brewer for Samuel Smith’s. I’ve judged Champion Beer of Britain seven times. So the saving of the Unions is very deeply meaningful to me, and I see my role here as giving something back to a beer culture that’s opened whole worlds to me.”

Thornbridge’s head brewer Dominic Driscoll has been hands on with this project, and was recently named as the Guild’s Brewer of the Year. What is your view on his achievements?

“It would be hard to invent someone better suited to this project than Dom. He’s a true brewer’s brewer - boots on, hands-on, ready for anything and excited to have a go. Other brewers quietly look up to him. In his other life as a semi-professional farmer, he literally digs in and gets his hands dirty every day, so he was entirely undaunted by the work needed to put this all together. And the proof is in the pudding - the system is humming and the beers are beautiful. Dom’s not the boastful sort, but I’m sure he knows he’s put his mark on brewing history, and I am super happy for him.”

AZ-100

Spot Dryer

Precision Drying, Maximum E ciency

Experience unparalleled e ciency with the AZ-100 Spot Dryer from Air Control Industries. Its centrifugal blower replaces traditional compressed air nozzles, providing precision moisture removal – all in a sleek, compact design.

• Up to 95% reduction in energy costs compared to compressed air systems

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Reliable, precise moisture removal

• Easy integration into existing lines

• Low noise operation

2025 Craft Brewers Conference® and Brewexpo America® (& World Beer Cup®!)

Independent brewers attending BeerX may be interested to know about the Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® (CBC) taking place from 28 April - 1 May 2025 in Indianapolis.

Presented by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association for small and independent American craft brewers, CBC is North America’s largest gathering for the beverage alcohol industry. More than 11,000 brewing, fermenting, and distilling professionals will have the opportunity to meet with more than 550+ exhibitors and hear from a wide range of speakers during seminars across 12 different educational tracks.

On the Main Stage

The Brewers Association’s new CEO/President, Bart Watson and board chair, Leah Cheston, will kick off the conference at the Day 1 General Session, followed by an exciting keynote speaker.

On Day 2, the new afternoon General Session will start with the presentation of the 2024 Industry Award winners followed by the annual State of the Industry update and forecast for 2025 presented by Bart Watson and Matt Gacioch, staff economist.

Education opportunities

In addition to the two main stage presentations, experts will present more than 60 educational seminars and 140 + speakers spanning 12 areas to help you and your teams grow professionally and personally. Speakers and seminars of note include:

• Understanding Your Brewery's Health by Creating KPIs: As breweries scale up, there are three key areas to keep top of mind - Quality, Efficiency, and Profitability. We explore how to get started with this analysis, or how to understand if these are the best practices for your brewery.

• Market Proof Hop Water: Thirst Quenching, Zero ABV, Consumer Safe Hoppy Waters from A to Z: We look at the effects of ingredients and production methods on hop water flavour, texture, stability, and consumer acceptance, along with microbial and safety

aspects of packaging hop waters.

• Coworker To Coach: Mastering the Transition to a People-Manager Role. Using behavioral science to fill the gaps and making the manager job more manageable.

• Strategies to Stand Out and Engage with Distribution Partners in a Crowded Market: Learn how to turn their brand story into a powerful brand strategy, build strong and productive relationships with distributors, and create compelling brand plans.

• When (and When Not) To Rebrand Your Brewery: How To Evolve Your Brand Without Losing Fans Along the Way. We cover every step of the rebranding process, including determining whether you should (or should not) rebrand in the first place.

• Modern Media Relations: Amplifying Your Story and Your Voice. Earning media in a fragmented, digitised media landscape to amplify your brand's story and reach potential drinkers.

• Keys to Financial Planning: The Power of the 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast. How to create a simple but thorough spreadsheet that outlines all of your cash needs and expectations quarterly.

• B-ing the Change You Want to See: All things social and environmental impact, through the lens of B Corp craft breweries.

• Seat at the Table: State and Federal Issues Your Brewery Needs to Know. Gain an advantage over the competition by being in the know.

BrewExpo America®

With more than 550 exhibitors displaying the latest and greatest product innovations, supplies, and services for the beverage alcohol industry, BrewExpo America is THE place for customers, vendors, and industry leaders to connect. Discover new trends and make new connections!

World Beer Cup®

The Craft Brewers Conference culminates with the awards ceremony for the World Beer Cup, the world's largest and most prestigious beer competition. Often referred to as “the Olympics of Beer,” the competition was created in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing. This global competition continues to create greater consumer awareness about different beer styles and flavour profiles while promoting international brewing excellence.

Each year, the competition’s beer style guide is reviewed by a committee of industry peers and updated to reflect industry trends and this year will include cider for the first time.

The 2025 champions, chosen from approximately 10,000 entries from more than 50 countries, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Indianapolis on 1 May.

Find out more and book your place at www.CraftBrewersConference.com

All images ©Brewers Association

Master Bakers

As former pub landlords, Jill and Dean Baker honed their love of beer, and interest in brewing it, while still treading the boards behind the bar at the rather aptly named Jolly Brewer, in the village of Stamford in the East Midlands. This background in hospitality gave them not only a keen understanding of the beer culture and drinkers in their local area, but also a strong work ethic that has been more than tested in an operation that still boasts only two full time employees – the Bakers themselves. Yet despite its diminutive scale, Baker’s Dozen has taken home an array of trophies for its consistently top-quality

beers, including numerous Silver and Gold awards in SIBA competitions, both locally and nationally, and in 2023 a coveted CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain Gold award in the pale, blonde and golden category for their flagship pale ale, Electric Landlady. With this year marking 10 years since they launched the brewery business, Independent Brewer’s Editor Caroline Nodder caught up with the pair in early January to find out more about their first decade in brewing, and what the secret is to their growing awards horde…

Business Basics

Name: Baker’s Dozen

Founded: 2015

Location: Ketton, Stamford, East Midlands

Owners: Jill and Dean Baker

Annual production: 450hl

Production split: 70% cask, 25% keg & 5% small pack

Head Brewer: Dean Baker

Total Staff: 2 (including owners)

Core beers: Electric Landlady (5% ABV pale ale), Stamford Pale (4% ABV pale ale), Sinc Stream (4% ABV amber bitter), Undertow (4.8% ABV hazy IPA) & Acoustic Landlady (3.4% ABV session pale ale).

Number of pub/taproom sites: Occasional pop-ups at brewery site

We just got caught up with what people were calling the real ale revolution. And we went from having one cask beer on the bar to having six, and we were super busy, it was so exciting. That's how we really got interested in beer.

How did you come to found Baker’s Dozen and how has the business developed since then?

Jill: “We started out in hospitality. We took on a pub in 2006, a community local [the Jolly Brewer in Stamford] that was a real cask ale pub, and that's how it all started. We just got caught up with what people were calling the real ale revolution. And we went from having one cask beer on the bar to having six, and we were super busy, it was so exciting. That's how we really got interested in beer. I went from drinking Stella, to trying all this real ale, and I was soon on board. We got really into the beers, people were putting more hops in their beer, and there were more and more breweries springing up. And we decided we quite fancied trying it ourselves.”

Dean: “So I went and did the start-up brewing course at Brewlab in Northumberland in about 2008.”

Jill: “And then ideally we were looking to set up a brewery on the pub site in 2013 – ’13 being the Baker’s Dozen of course. That was the original plan. But then, of course, because it was a tied pubco pub, they complicated it so much, and we thought we'd probably be better off just setting up on our own and having two separate businesses. So that's exactly what we did. We started saving some money, and we managed to set it up in 2015 in the end. And I ran the pub, and Dean ran the brewery. We did manage to negotiate a free-of-tie allowance to sell our beer in the pub. So that was good. But we were very small scale for a very long time. Then in 2020 we decided we'd put the pub on the market, because we owned the lease, and then go full time with the brewery. And then Covid hit, and it cleaned us out.”

Dean: “We lost a lot. The pubco bought us out eventually, so we left the pub in July 2021.”

Jill: “So I came over to the brewery, and realised we had to work out our job roles. The original plan was that I was going to learn brewing as well, so then we could both be brewers, and work out how to run the rest of the business between us, or maybe even get someone in. I did the general certificate course with the IBD. But then with the energy crisis and prices skyrocketing here, we found that it worked better for us if Dean brewed, because he was far more experienced, and I took care of the rest of the business.”

What was the ethos behind the business?

Jill: “When we were first thinking about brewing, our ethos was to brew beers that we wanted to drink, it was that simple. And I suppose what we're referring to there is the hop-forward type stuff. We're just down the road from Oakham Ales, and obviously they are absolute giants of hop-forward pale ales. We really enjoyed their beers, so that's what we went with. And we used to say that about the pub as well. We wanted to create a pub that we wanted to drink in. And it’s the same with brewing.”

Continued on page 55

• 3, 6 or 12 Months Rental

• Next Day Delivery*

• No Minimum Order Quantity

• No Maximum Order Quantity

• 30L & 50L Kegs Available

• 9 Gallon Casks Available

• Unlimited Fills

• No Scanning Required

I'm quite a fan of black IPAs, red IPAs, the kind of thing where you get those darker roasted malts with the big punchy hops as well. Almost a mash up of two styles. So I've always been a fan of those styles, even though, apparently, people don't want to buy them so much!

What styles of beer do you focus on?

Jill: “We are branching out now, because I think times have moved on, and it turns out that we can't all just live on IPAs, can we? It's nice to have a bit of variation. In fact, Sinc Stream is our traditional British bitter. Because we're in Rutland, it's really traditional around here, so there are a lot of traditional bitters. And initially that didn't massively interest us. But, it turns out, they're really nice beers, aren't they? So we're doing that, and we've got an ESB coming out soon for a SIBA competition, actually, and we've done some other bits and bobs, because it's quite fun, isn't it? I think one of the joys of self-employment is you should be able to just do things that you fancy. So we've done a goze, and a hibiscus wheat beer, just to try and mix it up a bit.”

Dean: “I'm quite a fan of black IPAs, red IPAs, the kind of thing where you get those darker roasted malts with the big punchy hops as well. Almost a mash up of two styles. So I've always been a fan of those styles, even though, apparently, people don't want to buy them so much!”

Jill: “Anything too ‘wild’ - which isn't that wild really, is it? - it's a bit of a struggle to sell around here.”

Dean: “I think because we set out brewing pales ales, that is what people tend to come to us for. So although we've now got a couple more traditional bitters in the range, and they sell well for us, we've got Grainstore Brewery on our doorstep, who have been brewing amazing, traditional beers and have sort of cornered the market, if you like, in the immediate locality for that style. So I think we wanted to differentiate ourselves a bit from them.”

How do you ensure you stand out in such a crowded market?

Jill: “I love our artwork. I know loads of breweries have got fantastic artwork, but we've got quite distinctive artwork, I think. And you can tell it's ours. So I guess that's one thing. And then, because we're quite local, I think word-of-mouth is really important. We get a lot of business through word-of-mouth, and as long as the quality is there, which we think it is, when people do finally come to us they do generally like the beer, and so they do come back. We are pretty proud that we do have a lot of repeat customers, once we persuade them to give it a whirl.”

Dean: “The challenge is getting them through the door in the first place, because we don’t have a big marketing or sales team, it’s just us.”

Jill: “It does help that we do know a lot of people in the area through the

pub. And we do drink in quite a few of the pubs that we sell to. So people know us, and we have built relationships with people.”

What do you see as the main challenges for the UK’s independent craft beer sector currently?

Jill: “Unfortunately - and it's a very boring answer – the challenge is just financial. We have never quite fully recovered from Covid and from the energy price rises and all that sort of thing. So we've always been chasing our tail. We've got a bit of a weakness in that if everything breaks at once, which unfortunately it did in December, we don't have a lot of contingency. We were having a really good year last year. We were really building up the business. Our name was getting a little bit more out there, and sales were looking good. And then basically everything broke in December. And now we've gone into this year exactly how we started last year. And we were supposed to be starting on a better foot. But our energy contract has halved as of last August, our malt prices have dipped a little bit. Things are definitely better than they have been.”

You punch well above your weight for a small brewery when it comes to winning awards for your beers. What is the secret to your success?

“I'm just going to say how great Dean is at brewing basically, which will make him feel really awkward! But I do think he's a good brewer. And I think the reason he's a good brewer is because he's got a real attention to detail, and he likes to secretly challenge himself to always improve. He's never happy, he's always like, ‘Oh, it's not good enough’. And so in his head, he's tweaking things, just the tiniest of things. And I think he really does try to improve things all the time.”

Dean: “I'm really anal. I'm just this horrible anal person, and I think consistency is the key. So I just try to do everything exactly the same every time. I think if something can be improved, you should try to improve it. That doesn't mean that I'm always constantly tweaking and messing with things, I'm just a bit of a perfectionist. I mean, we are brewing on pots and pans. We've got quite a rudimentary kit. It was the best thing we could afford with the amount of money that we had at the time, and we've still got it 10 years down the line! We've added some conical fermenters in since then, but we still use the original flat bottoms that we started with.”

You turn 10 this year. What are your key goals for the business in 2025 and beyond?

Jill: “The truth is, the goal for this year is to become more profitable. Again, it's a really boring answer, but we're not really profitable enough. We need to work smarter, not harder. We need to have a think about how we're structuring the business to try and make sure we're a little bit more shock proof. I would like to try and make a couple of little changes that don't cost too much but can make a difference. There's a couple of little tweaks we can make to the fermenters so that we can just increase the yield. We were working last year on trying to get one more cask out of the brews. And one of the silly little things is the yeast plugs are too tall. Just getting some new yeast plugs that are a bit shorter, that's how we'll get that extra cask out of it. And so there are things like that, just nibbling around the edges.”

How do you involve your community in what you do?

Jill: “We tapped back into the community with the pop-ups we do. When we left the pub, whilst it was the right thing to do, we started the pop-ups to pay the electricity bill, and because there was a whole group of people out there that weren't able to drink our beer at the Jolly Brewer any more. We started doing the pop-ups, and people started coming, and it was basically our old customers. I enjoyed dipping my hand back into the hospitality world. And what we found was that people who would meet in the pub, but they weren't friends, they didn't have each other's numbers, but they'd always meet in the pub every week, and they hadn't seen each other for a couple of years because they hadn't been to the pub! So they were meeting back up here at the brewery taproom pop-ups. Currently, we use the tables that we bought for Covid outdoor drinking. We just put them up outside. Bought a couple of gazebos, and then we have an old bar that we just put up in front of the fermenters. It's really sort of makeshift, but so far so good.”

How do you think the UK’s small brewers can best stand up to ‘big beer’?

Jill: “I think for breweries like ourselves, being small and generally having more direct contact with locals, I think that's the best way, because you build relationships. So I think just having those local connections and knowing people and people enjoying having a brewery on their doorstep, is the best way to promote and engage if you’re a small brewery like ours. I do think the SIBA Indie Beer campaign is a good idea. I think the fact that they're making it less about SIBA and just calling it Indie Beer was a good idea because we know SIBA in the trade, but perhaps not publicly. I thought the assets and marketing and the design work, I like it a lot, and their message about Neck Oil for example is really easy to grab, isn't it? You can just tell people, and it's engaging, and it's surprising. So I'm hoping that's going to be the big springboard, fingers crossed.”

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Jill: “So, definitely music. A lot of our beer names come from whatever Dean’s listening to!”

Dean: “Ultimately, I guess like a lot of people, I didn't make it as a sports person, and I failed as a musician, although I do play in a band, but I didn't manage to do that for a living, and ended up running a brewery.”

Jill: “Music references are a big one. But we also take ideas from food and drink sometimes, and think, ‘oh, that would make a nice beer’. And if we were to be brutally honest, some of our inspiration comes from good deals. We've definitely got a beer coming up where there's been a great deal on the hops, so that was our inspiration!”

PVPP/SILICA GELS • ENZYMES ANTI FOAMS • ANTI- OXIDANTS

This is only our third year of entering the SIBA awards - I think we've done two cask competitions and three kegs or something like that. And we've won Golds in the regional kegs every year so far. Undertow has won the regionals every year since we've entered it, and obviously then the nationals last year. We were just completely blown away by that.

What are you proudest of in the time since you launched Baker’s Dozen?

Dean: “I think it has to be those awards over the last few years. I think this is only our third year of entering the SIBA awards - I think we've done two cask competitions and three kegs or something like that. And we've won Golds in the regional kegs every year so far. Undertow has won the regionals every year since we've entered it, and obviously then the nationals last year. We were just completely blown away by that. And then winning our category in the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition as well. I guess until then I’d sort of had Imposter syndrome, and almost been a bit intimidated by the industry. Obviously, we are really small, so I don't think we really expected to do well in these competitions. as such. And so when Undertow won, and then won again, we thought, ‘Oh it wasn't just a fluke’. We are genuinely, really proud of them. And I've stopped feeling intimidated now, and I feel like I'm definitely okay.”

Jill: “I've got one other achievement I’m quite proud of, which is a bit dull really, but our water company didn't charge us correctly for a number of years, and overcharged us by £20K. It took me two years to battle them, and it was really stressful, and then it took them another year and a bit to actually pay us back. I was quite pleased and proud to win that. It was definitely a David and Goliath type battle.”

Who do you most admire in the craft beer sector and why?

Dean: “I guess initially, when we were first setting up, there were people like The Kernel, that always make amazing beer. And, I think in terms of stuff that was a little bit different and interesting for us early doors, were people like Moor Beer, who were doing unfined beer in a cask. And then people like Abbeydale, who, again, make some amazing beers. Those kind of early pioneers.” Business Profile: Baker’s Dozen

Jill: “So my initial reaction was Oakham Ales and Brewster's Brewery. When we ran the pub, they were on our bar permanently. We sold loads of their beer. They're brilliant beers. They're so easy to look after in the cellar. They sell well, they taste great. They were just, really, why we loved beer, and why I came to love beer. Brewster’s, obviously Sara [Barton – founder of Brewster’s] is just a pioneer, an absolutely wonderful woman. And I just love those two breweries, and they were part of the reason for the success of our pub, because their beers are so great.”

The UK’s best beer and brewing event is back 50% bigger in 2025

BeerX UK 2025, set to take place on the 19th and 20th of March in Liverpool, is the biggest trade event in the UK for beer and brewing businesses, homebrewers and craft beer retailers – now taking place across all three halls of Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

Attracting over 3,000 attendees from the beer industry last year, it is attended by brewers and homebrewers, as well as beer retailers, buyers and industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge, discover the UK’s best independent craft beers, view the latest brewing equipment, ingredients and services, or network with others from across the industry.

BeerX UK features a packed schedule of seminars, talks, and panel debates, from some of the most respected voices in the beer industry. Topics range from brewing techniques to marketing strategies and sustainability practices, offering attendees invaluable insights that they can apply to their own businesses.

The Trade Exhibition showcases an array of products and services that cater to the brewing sector; From hops to state-of-theart brewing equipment, the trade show is a treasure trove of innovation, allowing attendees to discover the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. It's a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect and engage with suppliers, creating relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

www.beerx.org

If you’re talking bottling and

lines, shouldn’t you be talking to us?

At the Enterprise Group you will find a personal commitment to your project, whether it’s a single machine for integration into your existing line or a turnkey project on a green field site.

At the Enterprise Group we are not just agents, we can offer you a total package. Our experienced project layout engineers working with state-of-the-art CAD facilities, combined with our team of field engineers, allows us to respond quickly and accurately as your project develops.

This commitment continues with machine efficiency trials and performance tests, followed by full aftersales service and backup.

So whatever your requirements, you should be talking to us.

Visit : www.enterprisetondelli.com

HEAD OFFICE : Enterprise Tondelli Srl. Via La Spezia, 193/A - 43126 Parma – Italia. Tel +39 - 0521-940068 Fax +39 - 0521-940067 E-mail : info@enterprisetondelli.com

INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL SALES OFFICE Unit 7, College Farm, Barton Road, Pulloxhill ,Bedfordshire, MK45 5HP, United Kingdom. Tel. +44 (0)1525 718288 E-mail : info@enterprisetondelli.co.uk

Programme Content Highlights

The below session titles and highlights are correct at the time of going to print. For Live session timings and locations, plus the full content schedule, visit beerx.org or download the dedicated BeerX App (Apple and Android).

■ BeerX Official Opening & Indie Beer update

■ Utilising the Zevero x SIBA Sustainability calculator

■ Brewery capacity expansion: Planning and execution

■ Panel: Can diversity and inclusivity be at the centre of a future beer industry?

■ KEYNOTE: Marverine Cole

■ Tasting: Full flavoured and alcohol free

■ Preparing a brewing business for sale

■ Hops on the Horizon: The Next Generation of Hop Flavours

■ Tasting: Understanding Thiols & Biotransformation

■ Sustainable brewing practices, malt and more

■ Panel: How is tech going to define the future of the beer industry?

■ Flavour Frontiers: Faram’s sensory journey with Abstrax and Brewing Experts

■ Tasting: A systematic approach to tasting beer

■ Managing your company effectively

■ Tasting: A Grand Tasting Of Historic Ales

■ Flavour and Stability: Exploring the Impact of Malt Characteristics on Beer Quality

■ Making the most of the Scottish Guest Beer Agreement

Tastings

The BeerX tutored tastings have become a firm favourite with Delegates and are always a full-house, so we’ve taken the opportunity of moving to three halls to further expand the audience size for 2025 – now accommodating up to 100 participants.

Below are just a few of the tasting sessions we’ve got planned for you in 2025

Hops on the Horizon with Charles Faram

The experiment continues. Following the successful session last year called “An Expedition into Experimental Flavours” we’re back for a third year with Buxton Brewery and our panel of experts. Join us for an interactive sensory session led by Charles Faram and the creators of the Hop Heats Challenge.

This second sequel session builds on the brewer and consumer perspectives by showcasing a selection of beers crafted with the desirable hops chosen by you last year during the AromaFest® events. Take part in the tasting, ask questions, and share your thoughts on our up-and-coming varieties, and be part of the Hop Heats project. Come along on this flavourful journey, where your opinion plays a vital role in the next wave in hop innovation.

Tutored Tasting: Full-flavoured and alcohol free

Join Beer Sommelier and educator Annabel Smith for a tasting of flagship beers from some of the UK’s most prominent independent breweries in their new alcohol free (0.5% abv) format.

But how do these super-sessionable beers compare to their full strength counterparts and will they prove a hit with customers who are increasingly looking for great-tasting AF options?

On the menu are St Austell’s - Proper Job IPA 0.5%, Thornbridge - Jaipur IPA 0.5%, Siren - Soundwave 0.5% and Northern Monk Faith 0.5%.

A systemic approach to tasting beer with WSET

This session, based around the Wine & Spirits Education Trust’s (WSET) Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT), promises to teach participants how to taste in a logical, systematic, and above all professional manner and seeks to build individuals' skills progressively.

Beer educator, presenter and WSET Business Development Manager Natalya Watson returns to BeerX for a second year running to host what we’re sure will be one of the events most educational and enlightening tastings.

A

grand tasting of historic ales

Taking inspiration from Kirkstall Brewery’s superbly niche historic beer festival ‘A Great Exhibition of Prize Ales’, this tasting with Kirkstall’s Chris Hall promises to be a mustattend for anyone interested in trying some delicious historic beer styles.

Whether it’s a Victorian Mild or a Russian Imperial Stout that peaks your interest this tasting is sure to be one for the history books, so arrive early to secure one of just 100 seats…

The SIBA Business Awards 2025 this year include a brand new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ award in partnership with social enterprise, Women On Tap CIC.

The new award celebrates independent breweries who have made equity, diversity and inclusivity a central part of their business – be that with a focus on gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodiversity, or age.

The winner will need to demonstrate an authentic commitment to creating a diverse workplace alongside tangible positive outcomes for your business and team. With judges especially looking for schemes, policies, campaigns or other initiatives that can inspire the wider industry to follow suit.

As well as joining the judging panel for the SIBA Business Awards 2025, Women On Tap’s Rachel Auty also helped to create the criteria for this important new award;

“Recent industry research from SIBA and other sources has evidenced the lack of progress in making the UK beer industry more diverse. We have to keep this subject front and centre, and we are incredibly grateful to SIBA for introducing this award and inviting us to be a partner. We urge the industry to make a renewed commitment to creating workplaces and experiences where everyone can thrive. At Women On Tap we focus on gender equality, and we want to see more women working in beer at all levels, especially in brewing and leadership, as well as more women choosing and enjoying beer socially.”

The SIBA Business Awards seek to congratulate excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, from pump clip, can and bottle design, to efforts taken by brewers to make their business more sustainable, innovative or diverse, as well as naming the UK’s best pubs, bars and retailers of beer from independent breweries. The judging panel is chaired by Neil Walker, SIBA’s Head of Comms and Marketing.

“SIBA are delighted to be working with Women On Tap to launch the new Diversity Champion of the Year Award. Rachel’s knowledge and expertise was absolutely invaluable in the creation of this award which seeks to highlight breweries who show a real commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusivity.” Neil Walker, SIBA Business Awards Chair of Judges.

Another change for 2025 is the renaming of the ‘Empowering People’ Award, which will be known as the Employer of the Year award moving forwards. SIBA say the new name brings it in line with the Brewers’ Brewer of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Supplier Associate of the Year and new Diversity Champion of the Year awards in the awards line up.

The SIBA Business Award Categories for 2025:

■ Marketing Implementation

■ Sustainable Business

■ Community Engagement

■ Best Individual Design

■ Best Concept Design

■ Business Innovation

■ Commercial Achievement

■ Best Collaboration

■ Diversity Champion of the Year

■ Employer of the Year (Formerly ‘Empowering People’)

■ UK’s Best New Independent Craft Brewery

■ UK’s Best Independent Brewery Taproom

■ UK’s Best Independent Brewery Webshop

■ UK’s Best Independent Beer Retailer

■ UK’s Best Independent Beer Bar or Pub –City

■ UK’s Best Independent Beer Bar or Pub –Rural

■ Brewers’ Brewer of the Year (Brewer nominated)

■ Supplier Associate of the year (Brewer nominated)

The SIBA Business Awards 2025 are judged by a panel of industry experts and presented at the UK’s biggest beer and brewing event – BeerX UK in Liverpool, March 2025. For more information about the awards visit www.siba.co.uk/businessawards

Beer Sommelier and TV Newsreader, Marverine Cole revealed as keynote speaker for UK’s biggest beer and brewing event BeerX 2025

Broadcaster and beer expert Marverine Cole has been revealed as the keynote speaker for this year’s BeerX 2025 in Liverpool, the UK’s biggest beer and brewing trade event. Attracting around 3,000 representatives from the UK’s independent beer industry the event brings expert talks, tastings and a newly expanded trade show together under one roof.

Headlining the talks is multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole. She can currently be seen as a newsreader on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain, is the resident beer expert on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh’, and is one of the first women in the UK to become an accredited beer sommelier.

Marverine will be bringing her unique perspective and expert knowledge to an event which brings together the British brewing industry under one roof.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Beer X. I remember attending several years

I’m not going to give the game away just yet but it’s safe to say – after 21 years in journalism – I’ve a lot to tell you about the TV industry and the opportunities that it, and digital media, could still hold

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ago when Garret Oliver was the keynote, so it’s very much an honour to be following in his footsteps on that stage. I’m not going to give the game away just yet but it’s safe to say – after 21 years in journalism – I’ve a lot to tell you about the TV industry and the opportunities that it, and digital media, could still hold” said Marverine

“BeerX is delighted to have Marverine onboard as our Headline Speaker for 2025. Her breadth of knowledge and experience in journalism and broadcasting, particularly in bringing great beer to mainstream TV audiences, is second to none and we look forward to what we’re sure will be an essential keynote address.” Andy Slee, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) who organise BeerX.

BeerX UK features a packed schedule of seminars, talks, and panel debates, from some of the most respected voices in the beer industry. Topics range from brewing techniques to marketing strategies and sustainability practices, offering attendees invaluable insights that they can apply to their own businesses.

The Trade Exhibition showcases an array of products and services that cater to the

For more information about BeerX 2025 visit www.beerx.org

BeerX 202 The UK's Biggest Beer & Brewing Trade Event 19th & 20th March Exhibition Centre Liverpool Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP

This programme was correct at the time of publication but go online to www.beerx.org for the latest information.

brewing sector; From hops to state-of-theart brewing equipment, the trade show is a treasure trove of innovation, allowing attendees to discover the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. It's a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect and engage with suppliers, creating relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

The event also proudly showcases the independent beer and business awards presentations, where the best of the best in the brewing industry are honoured. These awards recognize outstanding achievements, quality brews, and innovations within the sector, shining a spotlight on the incredible talents that drive the industry forward.

The SIBA Business Awards will in 2025 also include a brand new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ Award in partnership with beer industry group Women on Tap.

The new award celebrates independent breweries who have made equity, diversity and inclusivity a central part of their business – be that with a focus on gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodiversity, or age.

Marverine Cole

Dispute management, contracts and opportunities in 2025

Dispute management – the importance of terms and conditions

When advising clients in respect of a contractual dispute they have become involved in, all too frequently they automatically think they can rely on their own standard terms and conditions.

However, invariably issues arise as to which party’s terms actually apply, because both parties are seeking to incorporate their own terms into the contract and effectively trying to force their own terms onto the other party.

This is commonly described as the ‘battle of the forms’ scenario where businesses exchange communications (often via email) when discussing or negotiating a contract and each party tries to incorporate their own standard terms by making reference to them on various pre-contractual documents such as specifications, purchase orders, acknowledgments, delivery notes, invoices etc.

A key consideration is – which party fired the ‘last shot’ without challenge before the goods or services were provided thus incorporating their own standard terms into the contract to the exclusion of the other party’s.

The effect of winning the ‘battle of the forms’ is obvious but cannot be overstated – the winning party is able to rely on their own standard terms which, no doubt, will be heavily weighted in their favour to the detriment of the other party and such terms will deal with important issues such as limitation of liability, payment terms and termination, to name but a few.

Understandably, at the time of contracting, businesses are focused on finalising the

contract itself, either because they want to provide the goods or services, or they need the goods and services being offered and rarely do they think about what might happen in the future if things don’t go to plan.

However, taking a step back at this early, pre-contract stage and taking stock could significantly improve a business’ position in the unfortunate (but all too common) event of a dispute later down the line.

As to the ‘best practice’ a business should adopt, much will depend on whether the business in question is the supplier or the customer in the relationship, and the approach will differ accordingly.

However, before even getting into a ‘battle of the forms’ type dispute, you first need to have standard terms and conditions in place. Napthens has a team dedicated to supporting you on contracts and deals, so please get in touch if you have any concerns. 2025 opportunities

If you have a premises licence, or indeed are seeking to obtain one, there are a number of ways to offset any financial strain in 2025 with additional benefits to your business. What does your premises licence allow?

No two premises licences are the same. That is why it is important that you understand the specific detail of your own licence such as your hours of operation, types of alcohol sales, entertainment (live music, recorded music, etc.), and food service. If your licence is restrictive, you can apply for variations to extend hours or add permissions for additional activities. For example, by varying

the premises licence, you can extend your operating hours, in particular to capture latenight trading, especially on weekends, which can attract more customers.

Entertainment

If you have a premises licence for the sale of alcohol on the premises, you can offer entertainment in the form of live and recorded music to 11pm, without the need to have a licence for it – providing there are not more than 500 people present. Even if you have restrictions on your licence that limit music up to 11pm, they now no longer apply.

Hosting private events

Use your premises licence to cater for private functions such as birthday parties, corporate events, and weddings. Offering food, alcohol, and entertainment packages for private hires can increase your revenue during times when your usual customers numbers are low.

Offer alcohol with food

Consider adding food as a revenue stream, if you don’t already do so. Special offers like beer and burger deals can encourage a higher spend per customer, although even a limited snack menu (like tapas, pizzas, or finger foods) can complement drink sales and increase overall turnover.

Temporary event notices (TENs)

TENs are a fantastic tool to enable you to host special events beyond you usual licensed hours, if you don’t want to permanently change the conditions of your premises licence. Take advantage of seasonal opportunities by applying for TENs to hold special events like Christmas markets, summer festivals, or Oktoberfest.

Napthens LLP is a north west law firm with a specialised leisure sector team dealing with all the legal requirements of clients in the leisure and licensing sector. The Napthens SIBA Legal Helpline number is 0845 671 027

Napthens’ James Stephenson, legal director in the litigation team, and Gill Sherratt, head of licensing, take a look at some legal issues that could affect brewers in 2025…

Towards the end of 2024, Elon Musk’s ‘X’- formerly Twitter - saw a mass exodus. Something in the collective consciousness snapped, pushing millions to abandon the platform, now overrun with disinformation, vitriolic outbursts, prejudiced slurs, and irrelevant clickbait videos, in favour of a decentralised platform, Bluesky, created by Twitter’s original founders, that lets users engage with the content they actually care about.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that the sensationalism that has come to dominate X is exclusive to Musk’s hellish platform! Open up Facebook, and you’ll find your feed equally saturated with posts designed to seize your attention at every scroll. Snake oil sales, viral fluff, exaggerated claims, and ever-sexualised content claw for your eyeballs. For example, I came across two nearly identical promotions for a board game. In one version, a young woman wears a baggy t-shirt, while in the other - delivering the same script - he wears a revealing, low-cut top. The blatant attempt at A/B testing was glaringly obvious, as the latter (crass) video racked up significantly more likes and comments. I can’t imagine many of the misogynistic comments were left by users who actually went on to purchase the game. Let’s face it: social media has become a cesspool of every extreme imaginable. And I, for one, am spending less time on it - looking at it, posting on it, engaging with it – in order to focus on things that actually matter. The question is, ‘What matters?’

As demonstrated above, our lives have become noisy. And as Dr Steven Covey, the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says: “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.”

The shift away from social media noise: what really matters?

Brand and marketing guru Nick Law offers his view on how businesses should be reframing the way they use social media…

What wall is your ladder leaning against?

The problem

The relentless stream of social media content is designed to capture our attention, often with little regard for value or authenticity. Each scroll, like, and share fuels the algorithm, pushing more sensational content to the forefront. The result? A shallow, attention-seeking cycle that distracts us from what really matters in our businesses. Take the board game promotion. This is not just a minor marketing gimmick - it reflects a deeper issue. Social media, in its current form, rewards extremism and manipulative tactics that seek nothing more than engagement. We are caught in a cycle of clickbait all aimed at grabbing our attention. But attention is fleeting, and the impact is often short-lived.

This brings us to a crucial question: Are we, as brewery and business owners, chasing the wrong metrics? How much time are we investing in platforms that foster sensationalism, and how much energy could we redirect toward creating meaningful connections with our customers?

Reframing priorities

In a world where everyone is shouting for attention, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise. But the truth is, as brewery owners, we can’t afford to chase every trend (social media or beer style alike). If our ladder isn’t leaning against the right wall, no amount of social media engagement will get us closer to the goals that matter.

For breweries, the answer is building authentic connections, storytelling, and a focus on community and creating great beer. The obsession with social media metrics, followers, and likes distracts us from the deeper purpose of our businesses - the stories

we tell through our beers, the relationships we build with our customers, and the impact we have in our immediate communities. We don’t need to measure success by how many clicks our posts get; we need to measure it by the real connections we make.

Shifting focus

While social media isn’t going away, it’s time to rethink how we use it. Here are a few practical steps to shift your focus from the noise to what truly matters:

1. Create real-life experiences: Offer events like beer tastings or brewery tours to build authentic connections. People want to feel part of something meaningful, and face-to-face interactions can create loyalty that’s far more powerful than any online engagement.

2. Tell your story: Share your journey, your passion, and the heart behind your brewery. People are drawn to businesses with a personal touch, and storytelling is one of your most valuable marketing tools.

3. Use email marketing: Email allows you to speak directly to your most engaged customers, without the distractions of a noisy feed. Build an email list to keep your audience informed and engaged on your terms.

4. Collaborate locally: Partner with local businesses or host community events to strengthen ties within your area. Showing that you’re invested in your community builds trust and loyalty.

So, what matters to you? What wall is your ladder leaning against?

Nick Law is the Creative Director of Hop Forward: a branding, marketing and business consultancy for the brewing industry. Find out more at www.hopforward.beer or email nick@hopforward.beer

As we step into 2025, the UK’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, shaped by shifting consumer habits, sustainability priorities, and the ever-present drive for authenticity. For breweries, understanding these trends is essential not only to adapt their product offerings but also to support the hospitality venues and retailers that form their core customer base.

At a recent event, KAM welcomed a number of data and insight providers, trend watchers and thought leaders to share the key trends they thought would shape our industry in 2025. Here’s our take…

1. Moderation: less volume, more variety

Consumer drinking habits are shifting dramatically. Across the UK and beyond, a significant trend toward moderation is evident, with 80% of consumers actively limiting their alcohol intake according to CGA data. It’s been well documented that younger drinkers are leading the charge, embracing mindfulness in their consumption choices. Although this reduction in volume might seem like a challenge, at KAM we firmly believe that it presents an opportunity to innovate. Consumers are increasingly expanding their repertoires, exploring new categories and brands. This growing preference for variety, including the rise of no- and low-alcohol options, highlights the need for breweries to take a look at their own offerings. Are they fit for the 2025 consumer? How about 2026 and beyond? The fact that 25% more consumers are drinking less compared to those drinking more underscores this pivotal shift. By focusing on innovation, breweries can tap into these evolving preferences and maintain strong ties with hospitality operators and retailers seeking to cater to this mindful audience.

2. The rise of experiential hospitality

The demand for experience-led venues is reshaping the hospitality sector. Competitive socialising, themed bars, and activityled venues are capturing market share. For instance, operators like Flight Club are thriving by placing engagement and interaction at the forefront, with alcohol playing a supporting role. This trend challenges the traditional role of alcohol as the central focus of socializing. With

Cheers to 2025! Key trends for the year ahead

Katie Jenkins, Marketing Director at KAM, looks at some of this year’s emerging consumer trends…

nightclubs seeing stagnation, experiencedriven formats represent a path to revitalization. For breweries, aligning with these venues by offering products tailored to their themes or events could be a powerful strategy to stay relevant in this evolving landscape.

3. Authenticity: a key differentiator

Authenticity remains a powerful consumer demand, particularly regarding food and drink. Smaller, independent operators often excel in delivering perceived authenticity and are enjoying faster year-on-year growth as a result. According to data from CGA, consumers associate authentic brands with higher quality, and those considered authentic command the highest spend per head. How are they doing it? Emphasizing high-quality ingredients, showcasing the expertise of their teams, being transparent about sourcing practices and telling their story. For breweries, supporting authenticity-focused hospitality venues with complementary products and emphasizing genuine brand stories can strengthen relationships and resonate with this consumer preference.

4. Sustainability: from trend to expectation

Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern; it has become a baseline expectation. Increasingly, consumers across all age groups are seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, with even older demographics showing a growing intention to reduce things like meat consumption. Venues that offer customizable options—such as swapping out meat-based items for plant-based alternatives—are thriving by accommodating these preferences. Notably, 59% of consumers find the ability to customize meals in this way appealing. For breweries, this means considering the sustainability of your products, such as sourcing locally, reducing packaging waste, or offering eco-friendly brewing processes. Partnering with hospitality venues to promote sustainable practices can enhance both the brewery’s and the venue’s reputation.

5. Blending innovation with tradition While innovation is essential, the timeless qualities that make hospitality venues, especially pubs, the heart of UK social life

must not be overlooked. Hospitality venues remain hubs for community interaction, and this tradition is still deeply valued by consumers. Maintaining elements of familiarity, such as local ales or pub quizzes, alongside modern innovations, can strike a balance that appeals to a broad audience. For breweries, understanding this blend of tradition and innovation is crucial. By providing products that enhance these experiences while supporting venues with innovative marketing strategies, breweries can reinforce their position as indispensable partners in the hospitality ecosystem.

6. The role of technology and AI Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is set to play a defining role in the hospitality industry in 2025. From optimizing staff scheduling to analysing consumer data and enhancing operational efficiency, AI is becoming an indispensable tool. Operators who embrace these technologies will likely see increased productivity and better customer experiences. For example, anonymized CCTV data is being used to analyse customer flows, improving ergonomics and service delivery. Cameras can even track quality of serve down to the size of the head on pints being served!

7. Resilience amid economic challenges

Despite high costs and economic pressures, the hospitality sector has shown remarkable resilience. While food inflation has stabilised and energy prices have steadied, businesses are still navigating a high-cost environment. Larger operators with financial headroom are better positioned to weather these challenges, but independents are often more vulnerable. Nevertheless, consumer demand remains strong, with like-for-like sales showing positive growth of 2-3% in some sectors, according to CGA data.

The year ahead will no doubt bring a mix of both challenges and opportunities but the industry remains resilient and determined to succeed. Cheers to 2025!

KAM is a boutique research consultancy, specialising in hospitality and retail, running bespoke and syndicated customer research programmes for both pub companies and on-trade suppliers. Find out more at www.kaminsight.com

Capital Gains Tax

As anticipated, the Autumn Budget saw an increase in capital gains tax (CGT) rates, being the tax payable when an individual sells shares in a trading company.

Effective from 30th October 2024, the lower rate of CGT has been increased from 10% to 18% and the higher rate has been increased from 20% to 24%. There had previously been commentary around CGT rates potentially being aligned with income tax rates, nearer the 40% mark, so whilst the CGT hike might come as an unpleasant shock to shareholders, there is also some relief across the market that the increases were measured.

Whilst the increased tax bill at the end of a sale might dissuade some owners from selling their business, it is important to note that relief is still available for those who qualify (as detailed below).

Business Asset Disposal Relief

Unlike CGT which increased with immediate effect, business asset disposal relief (BADR) remains unchanged until 6 April 2025. BADR is available to individuals selling shares provided for the two years prior to the date of sale they:

a) held at least 5% of the ordinary shares in the company, allowing them to exercise at least 5% of the voting rights; and

b) held an entitlement to at least 5% of either:

a. distributable profits and assets on any winding up of the business; or b. the proceeds of sale if the company were sold.

Recent and future tax changes impacting brewers

Daniel Finn from law firm Brabners looks at some of the tax changes enacted by the recent Budget, those on the horizon for this year and specifically, how they would affect an owner looking to sell their business…

Selling shareholders who qualify for BADR currently pay a lower rate of 10% on the first £1M of gains made on the sale of their shares and that £1M represents a lifetime limit per individual which can be split over multiple share sales, including in different businesses, provided the conditions are met on each occasion.

However, for disposals made on or after 6 April 2025 the rate of CGT payable when an individual qualifies for BADR will increase to 14% and will increase again to 18% for disposals made on or after 6 April 2026.

The fact that BADR is still available, and that rates are increasing incrementally, may provide some peace of mind for prospective sellers. However, it is important for any sellers considering an exit in the short to medium term to plan ahead, ideally looking to time any disposal such that they maximise reliefs available.

Employee Ownership Trusts

Whilst a number of UK breweries already exhibited some form of employee ownership, West based out of Glasgow for example, Abbeydale Brewery was possibly the first to make the move to the employee ownership trust model when the business was sold in October 2024.

For those new to employee ownership, a majority shareholding is sold to the trustee of an employee ownership trust, which is established for the benefit of all the employees of the business. This is a form of indirect ownership, meaning the employees don’t actually hold shares in their own names. As the majority shareholder, the trustee has a responsibility to ensure that the business

is supportive of a culture of employee ownership. However, the board of directors of the trading company retains responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business.

The business owners will achieve a marketvalue exit from the business, in the same way as if a trade sale had been undertaken, but significantly there will be no CGT payable on the disposal, so this remains the pinnacle of tax efficiency in terms of selling a business. Alcohol duty and National Insurance changes Whilst the CGT changes affect shareholders across all industries, the budget also brought in some changes specific to breweries and other businesses with licenced premises. Off-trade alcohol duty was kept in line with RPI inflation and Draught Relief was increased by 1.7% which will hopefully help narrow the gap in price between alcohol purchased in pubs, bars and taprooms and alcohol purchased in supermarkets.

However, the 1.2% increase to employer’s National Insurance contributions and the increases to the national minimum wage will be keenly felt in the hospitality sector and are sadly expected to cause significant problems for many businesses.

Conclusion

Despite the changes to CGT and BADR, there still remain clear tax advantages to selling shares in a business rather than extracting value by other means, such as dividends or salary. That said, these tax savings can be maximised with forward planning and proper professional advice.

CAN LINES: 1800 / 3000 / 11,500 / 34,000 CPH

BREWHOUSES: 25hl, 40hl, 50hl, 80hl, 100hl, 300hl

BEER TANKS: 75hl, 90hl, 150hl, 200hl – 1000hl Fourpure & Meantime sales live at indassol.com

Brewlab’s Dr Keith Thomas looks at the lifecycle of yeast cells and how to keep your yeast in good condition to ensure a consistent brew…

How quickly do yeast cells die? Hopefully not before they can be repitched but how about in cask or bottled ale, or even in maturation? Certainly, yeast cells aren’t immortal despite some historic recoveries from centuries past. Individual cells typically die after a limited number of buddings although the population continues to survive as long as basic levels of nutrients are present. As such it is the population we should be concerned with as much as individual cells.

The typical growth curve of cells inoculated into wort shows a slow initial increase followed by rapid exponential growth until sugars and nutrients become limited then moving into a stationary period with limited growth and finally cell death. Tracking this allows you to judge counts at initial pitch and later at transfer to packaging. Counts which are roughly 10 and 1 million per ml respectively. Cell counts in mid fermentation may reach 50 million per ml indicating the degree of cell replication by budding. During this active period viability will be in the region of 95% or more reflecting the production of active new cells but also the death of older ones.

Later, in stationary phase cells will slowly

Yeast mortality –live and let die

degrade releasing contents to your beer, not all of which are desirable. Removing the bulk of yeast at this stage can help maintain freshness to your brew but for cask and bottle conditioned ale live cells are needed in suspension. For this two options are available – retain the existing yeast or filter and add cells from a fresh culture or a krausen from an active fermentation. Keeping yeast in good condition with a high viability is critical, particularly if conditions provide stress to the cells – crash chilling, overpressured transfer systems, a sudden increase in fermentable sugars from primings and progressively from nutrient deficiency. All of which can lead to cell death or damage. Cells also die in different ways. Necrosis is where cells die from stress damage such as those noted above. Loss of function may proceed death; inability to ferment, to produce specific enzymes or to bud. Contents may leak if the

Having yeast in your beer, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, may be increasingly recognised as beneficial and more than a flavour feature.

cell membrane becomes porous and wort compounds such as acids enter to cause further damage.

An alternative way for cells to die is regulated cell death or apoptosis whereby the cell initiates a series of self-degradation. Depending on the conditions specific genes may be activated to cause cell death. In acetic acid toxicity two mechanisms are activated depending on acid concentration (above and below 1%) and temperature (above and below 30oC). While not directly relevant to beer fermentations acid washing and sour beer fermentations may have different results depending on your processes.

Apoptosis or regulated cell death is not just a response to stress conditions but may be pre-programmed as an inbuilt mortality. In multicellular organisms it is active in development when tissues must be degraded to allow growth and development of organs. Insect metamorphosis from larvae to adult is a clear example but apoptosis is also prevalent in larger animals. The ability of cancer cells to override apoptosis is a feature of their growth.

In micro-organisms apoptosis may provide benefits to the population such as removing cells which malfunction, removing cells infected with virus or to optimise the health of cells when nutrients are limited. Release of materials from dying cells will provide nutrients for surviving cells which are typically younger and fitter. Unusual examples of apoptosis have been noted. Cells can undergo apoptosis when on surfaces with micro-patterning such as insect wing scales or in contact with other cells. Studies indicate that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. boulardii can induce apoptosis in bacteria and in other yeast cells – a reflection of their probiotic potential. Studies also suggest that this may also occur when in contact with cancer cells by affecting their gene regulation, at least in laboratory conditions (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033020-06110-1).

Saccharomyces species have been associated with probiotics for some time, particularly S. boulardii but potentially with some brewing strains. Excluding pathogenic cells from digestive tract surfaces is a common feature of probiotics but direct toxicity against cells is increasingly recognised. This may be from release of toxic compounds but direct contact may be equally important. The benefits of probiotic microbes are increasingly promoted in fermented foods. Having yeast in your beer, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, may be increasingly recognised as beneficial and more than a flavour feature.

Find more from Brewlab at www.brewlab.co.uk

Yeast Bacteria 01

OUR CROWNING GLORY WITH SIBA

At Croxsons, we’re delighted to be backing SIBA’s Indie Beer Campaign – a great initiative to make the ‘Indie Beer’ mark the recognisable standard for high-quality craft and cask beer, brewed across the UK by truly independent breweries.

Our Indie Beer Crown Corks are available at volume price to support even the smallest brewers, with a 50% discount for SIBA members. Consumers can be sure they are supporting independents whenever they buy the beers that use these crown corks.

We truly care about the UK beer industry. A thriving independent beer scene supports local business communities and helps protect the future of pubs.

Well, 2024 flew by, didn’t it? As we reflect on a whirlwind year, it’s clear the beer industry faced its fair share of challenges and continues to do so. Yet here we are, still standing, ready to tackle 2025 with determination and optimism.

This year brings big changes for UK business owners. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), adjustments to Business Asset Disposal Relief, and National Insurance rises will test resilience, long-term planning and plans for growth across the industry. While these shifts may seem daunting, I remain confident in the industry’s ability to pivot, innovate and grow.

EPR (we know it’s a hefty acronym that brings equally hefty implications) brings shifting cost structures to new compliance requirements. It’s a change that’s got many in the industry scratching their heads – and perhaps reaching for a beer. But with change comes opportunity. EPR presents a chance for all of us to innovate, collaborate, and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, ensuring the beer industry remains resilient and future-focused.

Meanwhile, changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief and rising National Insurance costs will require careful planning and adaptation. These aren’t small changes, but the beer industry has weathered its share of storms before and, at the core, is a love for the product, the consumers who drink it, and I hold firm to the belief that this will sustain us all in the years to come.

And here’s the good news: we’re in this together. For 150 years, we’ve been proud to support brewers through good times and tough ones. With British state-of-the-art glass manufacturing and a commitment to your success, we remain dedicated to the longevity and growth of this incredible industry.

Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your relentless creativity. Your work inspires us every day, and we’re honoured to be part of it.

So, here’s to 2025 – a year of challenges, progress, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. We’ll still be here, as we always have been, supporting brewers and championing the craft we all love.

to you and to the future,

Cheers

Tim Croxson

Scan the QR code now to order your SIBA Indie Beer Crown Corks.

MEET THE CROXSONS TEAM AT BEERX UK

Everyone is welcome at our stand (stand 114) when we exhibit at BeerX UK in Liverpool from March 19-20 2025. Whether you want to place an order, ask a product question or just share your passion for brewing and bottles, our team will be delighted to meet you.

A hub for industry professionals, BeerX UK goes beyond showcasing products and celebrating achievements. So much knowledge is exchanged and the event is a vital platform for decision-making in the brewing community, including the SIBA AGM and Members’ Conference. We love supporting SIBA and the beer industry, building relationships and meeting old friends, so we can’t wait to see you there!

Scan the QR code to register now.

EXPLORE OUR WORLD OF SUSTAINABILITY

Profound change is needed to meet the environmental challenges of glass manufacturing and packaging. At Croxsons, we know we cannot solve every problem but we are determined to do as much good for the planet as possible.

Whether recycling whenever and however we can or planting more than 150,000 trees, we practise what we preach on sustainability. We’re investing in making bottles lighter and using more post-consumer recycled content – a ‘closed loop’ process resulting in less energy, less extraction of virgin raw materials and lower CO2 emissions. Our international distribution network allows us to offer customers short supply chains, minimising environmental impact.

One of our core goals is cleaner and greener energy solutions. Recognising that decarbonisation is essential to the UK government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, we are excited to contribute towards a glassmaking future powered by hydrogen, renewable electricity and beyond.

We choose to partner with manufacturers and suppliers who consistently innovate and push the boundaries in producing responsible, eco-friendly packaging.

Scan the QR code to learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

JAC – CREN1914 for both flint and amber

JAC – CREN1818 for Green

AMC – CREN1913 for both flint and amber

AMC CREN1817 for Green

HIGH-CLASS GLASS WITH OUR JAC & AMC BOTTLES

A stalwart of our range, take a look at our 500ml Tall Beer bottle, otherwise known as the JAC. Available in beautiful amber, white flint or green, this stunning bottle is one of the lightest beer bottles on the market, rightweighted to 285g.

Our 500ml Squat Beer (AMC) bottle is also now available in gorgeous amber, white flint or green. The AMC bottle delivers a traditional look and lightweight feel (319g) without sacrificing any performance.

The JAC and AMC are perfect bottles to give any brand an edge, from locally brewed craft beers to globally recognised classics.

Scan the QR code and quote the codes to make an order now.

Here at Vigo, we have over 40 years experience in supplying reliable solutions to the beverage industry, including breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries.

We cater to both established and aspiring producers and hold an extensive range of equipment and consumables, from some of the best manufacturers in the business.

Support is our cornerstone, made possible by our dedicated teams who work together to bring peace of mind to producers - whether through sales support, project support, technical support or servicing and repairs.

Comac Kegging and Canning Equipment

We have partnered with Comac, one of the world leaders in kegging and counter pressure canning equipment. Comac kegging machines range from semi-automatic clean and fill systems to fully automated lines, capable of handling up to 1000 kegs per hour. The range includes advanced equipment for Clean in Place (CIP) systems, carbonation, and both flash and tunnel pasteurization.

The rotary counter pressure canning lines are engineered for top performance, accommodating production speeds from 3000-82,000 cans per hour. Each is highly customizable, with a variety of depalletizing and conveying options allowing the flexibility essential to the modern drinks producer.

Comac’s precision equipment is backed up by Vigo’s inhouse team of 9 highly skilled UK-based engineers, bringing mechanical, electrical, electronic and fabrication expertise. Whether it’s a simple installation or a complex upgrade, our expert guidance is just a phone call away.

Introducing

AZ-100 Spot Dryer

We are pleased to introduce our newest addition from ACI, the AZ-100 spot dryer. This dryer replaces traditional compressed air nozzles with centrifugal blower technology, providing powerful, e cient performance in a compact design.

• Up to 95% reduction in energy costs vs compressed air systems

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Reliable, precise moisture removal

• Low noise operation

• Easy integration into existing lines

The dryer comes with an option of nozzle depending on the application, making spot drying, air rinsing containers, debris removal, surface preparation and more, simple and economical.

We’re looking forward to exhibiting at BEERX 2025 on 19th and 20th of March in Liverpool. Check out our latest innovations, find out more about our full range of products and see how we can help you on your mission to create the perfect brew! You’ll find us at the Rawlings Group stand and we warmly invite you stop by.

Brewing with The Rawlings Group

Vigo is part of the Rawlings Group, a collection of brands specialising in the drinks packaging and processing industry. We offer brewers a complete service from equipment to consumables and packaging, along with comprehensive technical knowledge and support.

In addition to our wide range of glass bottles, we now stock a range of aluminium cans. We can even sort the design and labelling too!

Please contact Carl.Gregory@rawlingsbristol.co.uk

Regional Bottle & Can CompetitionOnline

SIBA North West

Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Non-Alcoholic & Low ABV

S SILVER: RedWillow Brewery Ltd Less is More Mosaic 0.5%

Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

S SILVER: Hawkshead Brewery Lakelander Helles 4.1%

B BRONZE: Farm Yard Brew Co Löf 4.4%

Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

S SILVER: Weetwood Ales Limited Vienna Lager 4.8%

B BRONZE: Wild Boar Brewery Crookweiser 4.5%

Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

S SILVER: Joseph Holt Brewery Sixex 6.0%

B BRONZE: Spitting Feathers Brewery Thirst Quencher 3.9%

Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Weetwood Ales Limited Turncoat 4.0%

Most of the Regional Heats for the SIBA Bottle & Can Independent Beer Awards are now judged online via Zoom, using the UK’s most experienced beer judges, beer sommeliers and master brewers. This system takes the pressure off the in-person regional competitions, which can now focus on cask and keg, and ensures the very best quality judging for our awards.

S SILVER: Cumbrian Ales Loweswater Gold 4.3%

S SILVER: Great Corby Brewhouse Tizzie Whizie 3.4%

B BRONZE: Hawkshead Brewery Windermere Pale Ale 3.4%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Spitting Feathers Brewery Rat Race 4.5%

S SILVER: Farm Yard Brew Co Chaff 4.7%

Bottle & Can IPA (5.6% to 7.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Keswick Brewing Co Ltd Thirst Celebration 7.0%

S SILVER: Farm Yard Brew Co Gulf 5.8%

S SILVER: Colbier Forte 7.2% B BRONZE: Lakes Brew Co Afterglow 7.0%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Keswick Brewing Co Ltd Dark Horse 6.0%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Cumbrian Ales Vanilla Oatmeal Stout 4.8%

Bottle & Can Double & Triple IPA (7.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Small Batch Brewing Co Broken Body 7.5%

Bottle & Can Continental Style Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Joseph Holt Brewery Ducie Bridge Lager 4.8%

S SILVER: Hawkshead Brewery Tripel 8.1%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Lakes Brew Co What's the buzz? 8.4%

S SILVER: Brimstage Brewery Elder Pale 4.1%

SIBA North East Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

S SILVER: Ossett Brewing Company Limited Yon 4.0%

B BRONZE: Triple Point Brewing Helles 4.1%

B BRONZE: Wold Top Brewery Landmark Lager 4.2%

Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Rudgate Brewery Ltd Pilsnor 4.6%

S SILVER: First & Last Brewery Kin 4.6%

S SILVER: Triple Point Brewing Briganti 4.5%

B BRONZE: Saltaire Brewery Ltd Helles 5.0%

Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

S SILVER: Hadrian Border Brewery As You Were 4.1%

B BRONZE: Acorn Brewery Barnsley Bitter 3.8%

Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Three Brothers Brewing Company

Limited Northern Pale 4.0%

G GOLD: Triple Point Brewing Cryo 4.2%

G GOLD: Daleside Brewery Blonde 4.3%

S SILVER: Turning Point Brew Co Astral Voyage 3.4%

B BRONZE: Bayonet Brewing Delta Lima Six 4.0%

B BRONZE: Wensleydale Brewery Semer Water 4.1%

B BRONZE: Acorn Brewery Yorkshire Pride 3.7%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Brew York Time Travelling Taxi 5.4%

G GOLD: Hadrian Border Brewery Northern IPA 5.2%

S SILVER: Craven Brew Co CPA Craven Pale Ale 4.8%

B BRONZE: Rudgate Brewery Ltd Jorvik Blonde 4.6%

B BRONZE: Turning Point Brew Co Disco King 5.1%

B BRONZE: SALT Serge 4.5%

Bottle & Can IPA (5.6% to 7.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: North Pier Brew Co High Tide 6.0%

G GOLD: Timothy Taylor's Cook Lane 5.8%

S SILVER: Full Circle Brew Co Looper 6.4%

S SILVER: Wold Top Brewery Scarborough Fair IPA 6.0%

B BRONZE: Rooster's Brewing Co. BabyFaced Assassin 6.1%

B BRONZE: Vocation Brewery Love & Hate 7.2%

B BRONZE: Bayonet Brewing H-Hour 003 6.8%

B BRONZE: Harrogate Brewing Company Iris 6.3%

Bottle & Can Speciality IPA

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Abbeydale Brewery Ltd Black Mass 6.6%

S SILVER: Brew York Juice Forsyth 5.0%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Daleside Brewery Monkey Wrench 5.3%

S SILVER: Timothy Taylor's Landlord Dark 4.1%

B BRONZE: Harrogate Brewing Company Harrogate Best 4.5%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Timothy Taylor's Poulter's Porter 4.8%

S SILVER: Hambleton Brewery Nightmare Porter 5.0%

B BRONZE: Hadrian Border Brewery Ouseburn Porter 5.2%

Bottle & Can Imperial & Strong Ale (6.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Craven Brew Co VIP Victorian Imperial Porter 6.5%

Bottle & Can Double & Triple IPA (7.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: SALT IKAT 8.0%

B BRONZE: Vocation Brewery Taranaki 8.4%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Daleside Brewery Morocco Ale 5.5%

S SILVER: Rudgate Brewery Ltd York Chocolate Stout 5.0%

B BRONZE: First & Last Brewery Double Damson 7.1%

SIBA Scotland Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Non-Alcoholic & Low ABV

S SILVER: Burnside Brewery Wayfinder 0.5%

B BRONZE: Campervan Brewery Off Piste Pale 0.5%

Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Tempest Brew Co Modern Helles 4.1%

B BRONZE: Harviestoun Brewery Ochil Lager 4.0%

Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

S SILVER: Sulwath Brewers Ltd Galloway Gold 5.0%

B BRONZE: Fyne Ales Fyne Helles 4.5%

B BRONZE: Harviestoun Brewery Schiehallion 4.8%

Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

S SILVER: Innis & Gunn Ossian Golden Ale 4.1%

B BRONZE: Loch Leven Brewery Outlaw King 5.0%

Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Stewart Brewing Session IPA 4.1%

S SILVER: Tempest Brew Co Pale Armadillo 3.8%

B BRONZE: Cold Town Beer Session Pale Ale 4.0%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Williams Bros Brewing Co. Joker IPA 5.0%

S SILVER: Campervan Brewery Leith Juice 4.7%

B BRONZE: Orkney Brewery Cliff Edge IPA 4.7%

Bottle & Can IPA (5.6% to 7.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Wasted Degrees Brewing Kveik IPA 5.9%

G GOLD: Stewart Brewing Radical Road 6.4%

S SILVER: Broughton Brewery HOPO 6.2 IPA 6.2%

Bottle & Can Speciality IPA

S SILVER: Cold Town Beer Baltic IPA 5.3% S SILVER: Up Front Brewing Nectar IPA V3 6.5%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Loch Leven Brewery King Slayer 5.2%

S SILVER: Harviestoun Brewery Haggis Hunter 4.3%

B BRONZE: Cairngorm Brewery Company Bothy 5.6%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Cairngorm Brewery Company Black Gold 4.4%

S SILVER: Tempest Brew Co Elemental Porter 5.1%

B BRONZE: Sulwath Brewers Ltd The Black Galloway 4.4%

Bottle & Can Imperial & Strong Ale (6.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Fyne Ales Mills & Hills Vintage 9.7%

S SILVER: Ardgour Ales Ltd Fìon An Eòrna 11.0%

B BRONZE: Broughton Brewery Old Jock Scotch Ale 6.7%

Bottle & Can Double & Triple IPA (7.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Williams Bros Brewing Co. Double Joker 8.3%

Bottle & Can Continental Style Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Origins Brewing Fluranach 5.3%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Up Front Brewing Key Lime Pie 5.2%

G GOLD: Sulwath Brewers Ltd Moffat Toffee Golden Ale 4.5%

G GOLD: Wasted Degrees Brewing Ancient Amber 9.9%

S SILVER: Orkney Brewert Dark Island Reserve 10.0%

S SILVER: Ardgour Ales Ltd Badan Fraoich 4.7%

B BRONZE: Origins Brewing Clàr 9.7%

B BRONZE: Burnside Brewery Night Fall 8.4%

Bottle & Can Sour & Wild Ale

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Origins Brewing Sionnal 5.5%

S SILVER: Up Front Brewing DAS IST TECHNO SEX 5.4%

SIBA Midlands Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Non-Alcoholic & Low ABV

S SILVER: Thornbridge Brewery Green Mountain Alcohol Free 0.5%

B BRONZE: Charnwood Brewery Masked Ball 0.5% Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Braybrooke Beer Co. Helles 4.2%

B BRONZE: Rebellion Brewery Rebellion Lager 4.4% Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Braybrooke Beer Co. Pilsner 4.5% B BRONZE: Little Ox Brew Co Oxford Pilsner 5.0% Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: The Grainstore Brewery Ten Fifty 5.0%

S SILVER: Thornbridge Brewery Lord Marples 4.0%

B BRONZE: Nottingham Brewery Legend 4.0%

B BRONZE: Rebellion Brewery Rebellion IPA 3.4% Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Twisted Tree Brewery Trunk IPA 4.0% S SILVER: 52 Degrees Brewing LADY GODIVA 4.2%

B BRONZE: The Grainstore Brewery Rutland Osprey 4.0%

B BRONZE: Birmingham Brewing Company Pale Brummie 4.0%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Peak Ales Ltd Derbyshire Pale Ale DPA 5.0%

S SILVER: Little Ox Brew Co Yabba Dabba Doo 4.8%

S SILVER: Welbeck Abbey Brewery Cavendish 5.0%

B BRONZE: Vale Brewery Co Ltd Gravitas 4.8%

B BRONZE: Holden's Brewery Sunburst 4.5%

Bottle & Can IPA (5.6% to 7.4%)

B BRONZE: Peak Ales Ltd IPA 6.0%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Lincoln Green Brewery Big Ben 6.0%

S SILVER: Charnwood Brewery Charlie Brewn 5.2%

S SILVER: Towcester Mill Brewery Ltd Winter Warmer 5.8%

B BRONZE: Big Stone Beer Ltd Edale Rocks 5.0%

B BRONZE: 52 Degrees Brewing KINGMAKER 5.5%

B BRONZE: Rebellion Brewery Rebellion Red 4.5%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Lymestone Brewery Stone The Crows 5.4%

S SILVER: Dancing Duck Brewery Dark Drake 4.5%

B BRONZE: Titanic Brewery TRUE STOUT 4.5%

B BRONZE: Enville Ales Ltd Gothic Stout 5.2%

B BRONZE: Vale Brewery Co Ltd Black Beauty Porter 4.4%

Bottle & Can Imperial & Strong Ale (6.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Resting Devil Baba Yaga 10.0%

S SILVER: The Grainstore Brewery Nip 7.3%

S SILVER: Lymestone Brewery Stone Dead 6.6%

B BRONZE: Enville Ales Ltd Blizzard 6.5%

Bottle & Can Continental Style Beer

S SILVER: 52 Degrees Brewing BACKYARD BLONDE 4.1%

S SILVER: Braybrooke Beer Co. Keller 4.8%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Twisted Tree Brewery Ground Stump 6.9%

S SILVER: Little Ox Brew Co Dark & Seedy 5.5%

S SILVER: Alter Ego Brewing Co Ltd Is Anyone There? 5.0%

S SILVER: Enville Ales Ltd Ginger 4.6%

B BRONZE: The Chiltern Brewery Earl Gray Pale Ale 3.6%

B BRONZE: Titanic Brewery PLUM PORTER 4.9%

B BRONZE: Big Stone Beer Ltd The Naze 4.5%

SIBA East Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

B BRONZE: Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% Pale Ale 0.5%

& Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%) G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Lacons Brewery Ltd lgr 4.4%

S SILVER: Adnams Dry Hopped Lager 4.2%

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Norfolk Brewhouse Moon Gazer ale Stubblestag 5.0%

S SILVER: Wylde Sky Brewing Ltd Mexican Lager 4.5% B BRONZE: New World Brewing Conquest Pilsner 4.5%

& Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: George Bateman & Son Ltd XXXB 4.8% S SILVER: Leigh on Sea Brewing Co Ltd Old Leigh Ale 5.7%

B BRONZE: Brentwood Brewing Company Ltd Lumberjack 5.2% Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Humber Doucy Brewing Company Friday Street 4.0%

S SILVER: Brewpoint Foghorn Hazy Session IPA 4.3%

S SILVER: Brentwood Brewing Company Ltd

SIBA Online Regional Bottle & Can Competitions

SIBA South East Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Non-Alcoholic & Low ABV

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Nirvana Brewery Ltd Nirvana Pils 0.5%

G GOLD: Hammerton Brewery Ltd ZED 0.5%

S SILVER: Firebird Brewing Company Table Manners 2.8%

B BRONZE: Renegade Brewery Solo 0.5%

Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Signature Brew Studio Lager 4.0%

S SILVER: Long Man Brewery Ltd Long Man Lager 4.0%

B BRONZE: Hammerton Brewery Ltd Groll 4.1%

Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: ABYSS Brewing Ltd Gonzo 4.6%

G GOLD: Firebird Brewing Company Bohemia 4.8%

S SILVER: Hackney Church Brew Co Halo 5.1%

B BRONZE: Hogs Back Brewery Hogstar 4.5%

Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Triple fff Brewery Limited Alton's Pride 3.8%

S SILVER: Alfred's Brewery Saxon Bronze 3.8%

S SILVER: Crafty Brewing Blind Side 4.0%

B BRONZE: Bexley Brewery BURSTED 3.8%

Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: 40FT Brewery Dalston Sunrise Session IPA 4.4%

S SILVER: ABYSS Brewing Ltd Super Pale 4.4%

S SILVER: Wimbledon Brewery Wimbledon Pale 4.2%

B BRONZE: London Brewing Co Upright 4.0%

B BRONZE: Forest Road Brewing Company SESH 4.3%

B BRONZE: Loud Shirt Brewing Surfs Up 3 - Swell Times 4.1%

B BRONZE: Gun Brewery How's The Serenity? 4.4%

B BRONZE: The Park Brewery Amelia 4.2%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Burning Sky Brewery Quench 5.2%

G GOLD: Firebird Brewing Company Work Ethic 5.0%

S SILVER: The Park Brewery Gallows 4.5%

B BRONZE: East London Brewing Company Ltd. Twist Hazy Pale 4.5%

B BRONZE: Powder Monkey Brewing Co Ltd Drop Anchor 4.6%

B BRONZE: 3 Locks Brewing Company Hazy IPA 5.5%

Bottle & Can IPA (5.6% to 7.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Hackney Church Brew Co The Pilgrim 6.3%

S SILVER: ABYSS Brewing Ltd Dank Marvin 5.8%

B BRONZE: Stardust Brewery Ltd Zorro West 5.6%

B BRONZE: Anspach & Hobday The IPA 6.0%

B BRONZE: 3 Locks Brewing Company West Coast IPA 5.0%

Bottle & Can Speciality IPA

S SILVER: Howling Hops Uppercrust 5.0%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

B BRONZE: Bowman Ales Limited Meon Valley Bitter 3.9%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Bexley Brewery SPIKE ISLAND 5.3%

G GOLD: Bowman Ales Limited Black Drop 4.6%

G GOLD: Burning Sky Brewery Robust Porter 5.8%

S SILVER: Anspach & Hobday London Black 4.4%

B BRONZE: Gun Brewery Parabellum 4.1%

B BRONZE: Stardust Brewery Ltd Just Stout 4.2%

Bottle & Can Imperial & Strong Ale (6.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Wimbledon Brewery XXXK 10.0%

B BRONZE: Anspach & Hobday The Brother Sean 8.4%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Hammerton Brewery Ltd Crunch 5.3%

S SILVER: Powder Monkey Brewing Co Ltd Cutlass 5.8%

B BRONZE: Zerodegrees Blackheath Our Mango Beer 4.1%

Bottle & Can Sour & Wild Ale

B BRONZE: Hackney Church Brew Co Core 5.3%

SIBA South West Independent Bottle & Can Beer Awards 2024

Bottle & Can Non-Alcoholic & Low ABV

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Electric Bear Brewing Co Unruly AF 0.5%

Bottle & Can Session Lager (up to 4.4%)

S SILVER: Powderkeg Harmony 4.2%

B BRONZE: Moor Beer Company Limited Lager 4.0%

Bottle & Can Premium Lager (4.5% to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Utopian Brewing Festbier 2024 5.6%

S SILVER: Zerodegrees Bristol The Bohemian 4.8%

S SILVER: St Austell Brewery korev 4.8%

B BRONZE: Bays Brewery Devon Rock Craft Lager 4.5%

Bottle & Can British Ales (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Arkell's Brewery 3Bs 4.0%

G GOLD: Stonehenge Ales Ltd Heel Stone 4.3%

S SILVER: Otter Brewery Head 5.8%

B BRONZE: Palmers Brewery Palmers 200 Bicentenary Ale 5.0%

B BRONZE: Bays Brewery Topsail 4.0%

B BRONZE: Twisted Oak Brewery Old Barn 4.7%

Bottle & Can Session Pale Ale (up to 4.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Electric Bear Brewing Co Werrrd! 4.2%

S SILVER: Good Chemistry Brewing Pure Optimism 3.4%

B BRONZE: Utopian Brewing Wondrous Isles 4.4%

B BRONZE: St Austell Brewery Tribute 4.2%

B BRONZE: Arkell's Brewery Wiltshire Gold 3.7%

Bottle & Can Pale Ale (4.5% - 5.5%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Electric Bear Brewing Co Tondo 5.0%

S SILVER: Butcombe Brewing Co. Tall Tales Pale Ale 4.5%

B BRONZE: Stonehenge Ales Ltd Danish Dynamite 5.0%

Bottle & Can Speciality IPA

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Hop Union Brewery Bloody Nora 4.7%

Bottle & Can Amber, Brown & Red Ale (up to 6.4%)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Twisted Oak Brewery Fallen Tree 4.0%

S SILVER: Otter Brewery Ale 4.5%

B BRONZE: Arkell's Brewery Moonlight 4.5%

B BRONZE: Exeter Brewery Ferryman 4.2%

Bottle & Can Stout & Porter (6.4% and under)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Abbey Ales Ltd Bath Stout 5.3%

S SILVER: Exeter Brewery Darkness 5.1%

B BRONZE: Salcombe Brewery Co Ltd Island Street Porter 5.9%

B BRONZE: Good Chemistry Brewing Shadow Future 4.2%

Bottle & Can Imperial & Strong Ale (6.5% and over)

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Moor Beer Company Limited Old Freddy Walker 7.3%

Bottle & Can Continental Style Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Castle Brewery New Season 5.5%

S SILVER: Utopian Brewing Fest-Märzen 5.4%

Bottle & Can Speciality & Flavoured Beer

G OVERALL GOLD - Champion: Padstow Brewing Co the smoke 4.5%

Bottle & Can Sour & Wild Ale

S SILVER: Castle Brewery Gorse 6.8%

New era for Acorn as founder returns with ‘Reboot’ rollout

Yorkshire’s Acorn Brewery is marking the return of its founder with the rollout of a six-strong ‘Reboot Series’ to herald a new lease of life.

The series launches as Dave Hughes again takes the helm at the nationally acclaimed Barnsley brewery. Last year, a phased sale was agreed with Manchester-based Sonas Capital, allowing co-owner Christy Hughes to step down immediately as he continued in a consultancy role for a short transition period.

Now Sonas - a business development company - has relinquished all interest, handing back control of the 25-barrel cask ale plant to the couple as sole directors and opening a fresh chapter in its multi-award-winning story.

Dave Hughes said: “Born in 2003 as a humble 10-barrel plant in Wombwell, Acorn became successful in a highly challenging business environment. Now, we are set to steer the brewery once again with pride, determination, and innovation to assure our valued suppliers, treasured trade customers, and loyal beer fans that Acorn goes forward offering the best quality cask ales and first-class service.

“While the Reboot Series brings a touch of nostalgia to revisit brews from our early days, we also promise exciting and innovative new rollouts to meet the needs of a keenly competitive market. We look forward to working with long-serving brewer Steve Bunting and the team again and thank them for their support.”

Find out more at www.acorn-brewery.co.uk

Gosnells celebrates a decade of Innovation in honey-based drinks

Gosnells, the trailblazing creator of honey-based drinks, has proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Since its founding in 2014, Gosnells has redefined what mead can be, turning a traditional, niche beverage into something innovative, accessible, and refreshing.

“Our dream has always been to bring honey-based drinks into the mainstream,” said founder Tom Gosnell. “With our new 30-litre kegs now available in pubs, we’re closer than ever to making that dream a reality. Sparkling nectar isn’t just about celebrating the incredible work of bees; it’s about showing what’s possible when you create drinks that are better for people and the planet.”

When Tom Gosnell launched the brand, he set out to disrupt the UK drinks scene, inspired by the vibrant craft beer and mead movements he encountered in the US. Seeing the potential in mead, but recognising its misconceptions, Gosnells has pioneered a new category - ‘sparkling nectar.’ With a lower ABV and a modern twist, this unique offering has helped change the way people think about alcoholic drinks made from honey.

As they look forward to the next 10 years, the Gosnells team remains committed to pushing boundaries, innovating with flavours, and making honey-based drinks a staple in British pubs and beyond.

For more information got to www.gosnells.co.uk

Bullhouse Brew Co named UK’s Best Drinks Producer at BBC Food and Farming Awards

In a resounding victory for independent brewing in Northern Ireland, Bullhouse Brew Co has been crowned the UK's Best Drinks Producer at the 2024 BBC Food and Farming Awards.

This prestigious accolade, encompassing the entire drinks industry from spirits and wine to cider and soft drinks, highlights the Belfast brewery's exceptional quality and commitment to innovation.

The awards ceremony, held at Glasgow's Old Fruit Market in December, saw Bullhouse Brew Co stand out amongst a fiercely competitive field. The judges were captivated not only by the brewery's diverse range of high-quality beers but also by founder William Mayne's tireless campaign to modernise Northern Ireland's licensing laws, fostering a fairer market for small producers.

"This is an incredible honour, not just for Bullhouse, but for the entire brewing industry in Northern Ireland," said William Mayne. "To be recognised on a national stage, amongst such a diverse range of talented drinks producers, is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team."

The BBC Food and Farming Awards judges lauded Bullhouse Brew Co. for their innovative approach to brewing, producing world class beers which are exported throughout Europe from the brewery in south Belfast. They also acknowledged the significant impact of William Mayne's advocacy work in reshaping Northern Ireland's drinks industry.

"Bullhouse Brew Co. is a shining example of how passion, innovation, and a commitment to community can drive success," said one of the judges. "Their dedication to improving the industry for everyone is truly commendable."

This national recognition marks a significant milestone for Bullhouse Brew Co, further solidifying their position as a leading force in the UK's vibrant craft beer scene and a champion for small producers across the drinks industry.

Find out more at www.bullhousebrewco.com

Wold Top Brewery wins two regional business awards

The team at Wold Top Brewery is celebrating after winning two York Press Business Awards.

The Wold Newton-based brewery won the Sustainable Award at the York Press Business iQ Awards, and was also presented with the overall Business of the Year award at a dinner at York Racecourse.

Kate Balchin, director at the brewery, said: "We're delighted and proud to have been awarded the overall business of the year. Our fabulous team work hard to produce great-tasting beer in the most sustainable way, and it means a lot to us all to win this prestigious award."

The brewery beat stiff competition from Coastliner and Iris Graphics Ltd to win the Portakabin-sponsored Sustainability award. The brewery also won the overall Business of the Year award in 2004, when the award was presented to Kate's father, Tom Mellor and her late mother, Gill.

The York Press Business Awards are the leading business awards in York and North Yorkshire.

Wold Top Brewery was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm's borehole to produce a range of cask, keg, and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.

Find out more at www.woldtopbrewery.co.uk

With spring brewing, it’s time to take a fresh look at your packaging, transit, barware and retail display concepts. And we have a range that will get your head in the game!

With a mashup of sustainable options at wholesale prices, we can supply everything from clever branding to nucleation in your glasses, leaving you to focus on the business of crafting your draught.

Derby Brewing announces the acquisition of The Papermill

The pub site formerly known as The Papermill, located in the heart of the village of Darley Abbey, is the latest outlet to be acquired by Derby Brewing. The site will follow the blueprint of the awardwinning Hole in the Wall, Mickleover, and showcase an array of the brewery’s own and guest cask ales, craft beers, lagers, and ciders, as well as fresh bean to cup coffee and hot beverages, locally produced cakes and artisan bar snacks.

The pub was closed in January for the full refurbishment, and as this magazine went to press it was due to reopen as the renamed Little

Darley in the last week of January.

This follows the new growth strategy for Derby Brewing, targeting community sites where there’s a strong local customer base and demand for quality drinks in a premium environment.

“We are delighted to have secured such a fantastic location for our next micropub. Darley

Abbey has been a long-term target location, and we look forward to bringing the village a fantastic premium local over the next couple of months,” said Derby Brewing MD, Paul Harris. Find out more at www.derbybrewing.co.uk

A letter to the Editor

With over 50 years of brewing industry experience behind him, Bruce Wilkinson, the now-retired Co-founder of Burton Bridge Brewery, ponders the answer to a question posed to him many years ago…

“How many square feet of barley are required to produce one pint of beer?

Recently, on clearing my desk, I came across my answer to the above question. It was posed by Ivor Clissold in the Alexander Hotel, Derby, many years ago. We set about working it out with no access to calculators or mobile phones.

I then wrote it up with more accurate information: One acre of land should produce three tonnes of good quality malting barley. As one tonne of barley produce three quarters of a tonne of malt, then one acre produces two and a quarter tonnes of malt. One acre is equivalent to 4,046 square metres. There are 10.76 square feet to a square metre. So, one tonne of malt comes from 4,046 x 10.76 / 2.25 = 19,348 feet squared That means one kilogram of malt comes from 19 square feet. One tonne of malt can produce 300,000 litres degrees of wort, so if it is a 4% w/v beer it can make 300,000/40 litres of beer ie. 75,000 litres or 13,198 pints. So one kilogram of malt makes 13 pints of beer. Hence 19/13 square feet of barley are required to produce one pint of beer. Which means 1.4 square feet of barley will produce a pint of 4% beer.

I have added a note that 2,000 grains of barley are required to make a pint of beer - but cannot remember how I arrived at that figure!”

Brewer's Viewpoint

Bruce Wilkinson and wife Jo at the world barrel rolling championships at Chodvar Brewery

Rooster’s adds four new gluten-free beers to its core range

Wild Horse Brewing Co announces collaboration with local artisan pizza company Trancio

Llandudno-based Wild Horse Brewing Co has announced a new partnership with local artisan pizza company Trancio. This collaboration will bring a fully operational kitchen to Wild Horse’s taproom, offering customers freshly made pizzas alongside the brewery’s range of handcrafted beers.

Wild Horse’s taproom opened its doors in March 2024, originally hosting a rotating

Harrogate’s Rooster’s Brewing Co has revamped its core range for 2025 with the addition of four new gluten-free beers available across cask, keg and can.

Yorkshire’s Best, initially available in cask, with cans to follow in the coming weeks, is a gluten-free modern classic bitter. Approachable at 3.8% ABV, it is smooth, amber in colour, and packed with character courtesy of a blend of three British hops. Following a very positive response to its release as a limited edition beer towards the end of 2024, Good As Hell, a classic Helles lager, has stepped up to become a premium fixture in Rooster’s range. At 4.9%, Good As Hell is being joined by another new addition to the brewery’s keg and can range in the shape of Haus Lager. At 4.2% and also gluten-free, as well as being vegan friendly in line with every beer in Rooster’s core range, Haus Lager provides an approachable, fresh and crisp alternative for lager fans.

Fans of the Baby-Faced Assassin, Rooster’s

flagship Citra IPA will be pleased to hear that a brand new member of the Assassin family will also become a new, permanent fixture in Rooster’s range. Hazy-Faced Assassin is a gluten-free Hazy IPA that’s initially available in keg only, with cans to follow in the Spring.

At 5.7%, Hazy-Faced Assassin, will sit alongside Easy-Going Assassin to complete the range of gluten-free beers in the range.

Commenting on the new line-up, Ian Galbraith, Rooster’s Sales Director, said: “2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for the brewery and will see Rooster’s remain at the forefront of the indie beer industry. Whether you’re a fan of traditional bitters, crisp lagers, or bold IPAs, we believe our range offers something for every palate. To now have no fewer than five gluten-free beers, as well as being vegan friendly, along with the rest of our core range, is a great step forward as we continue to bang the drum for the importance of great tasting independent beer.”

Find out more at www.roosters.co.uk

selection of local food vendors to complement its range of beers and other locally sourced drinks. Following eight months of successful operation, the taproom temporarily closed in January for renovations to build the kitchen before reopening with Trancio as its resident food vendor.

"We’re passionate about providing a unique and welcoming experience for our customers," said Dave Faragher, Founder and Managing Director

of Wild Horse Brewing Co. "We hosted Billy and the Trancio team several times throughout 2024 and were always impressed with the quality of food served and their amazing flavour combinations. After months of welcoming different food vendors, we saw a fantastic opportunity to partner with Trancio on an on-going basis."

For more information go to www.wildhorsebrewing.co.uk

Suffolk-based Nethergate Brewery has submitted a planning application for an ambitious expansion project.

The plans focus on the recently acquired eight-acre field adjacent to the brewery, a development that promises to enhance both the brewery’s facilities and the northern end of Long Melford where it is based.

The new site will help Nethergate Brewery tackle practical challenges, such as providing additional parking for visitors to both the brewery and the neighbouring Country Park, as well as creating much-needed production space. The brewery is also exploring innovative ways to utilise the space to benefit both the business and the local community.

Nethergate Brewery announces expansion plans in Long Melford Pegasus showcased in Westminster

Milton Brewery’s Pegasus beer recently made its debut at the Strangers Bar in the Palace of Westminster, with the pump clip featuring the SIBA Indie Beer logo for the first time.

The visit was arranged by Charlotte Cane MP, whose team gave the brewery staff a brief tour of the historic building before she joined them to sample the beer.

L to R : Richard Naisby, Paul Crush, Charlotte Cane MP, Tim Cowper, Alun Lucas, James Burberry

Proposed features include:

• A new café and a larger, improved shop and taproom

• A children’s play area, creating a more familyfriendly destination

• Environmentally friendly initiatives, such as an electric car charging station and a ground source heat pump

Rob Crawford, General Manager of Nethergate Brewery, said: “This is a really exciting new chapter for us. We’re committed to growing our business in a way that benefits our community and visitors. These plans not only address practical needs, such as parking and production space, but also present an opportunity to create

something special that enhances the village’s charm and attraction.”

The brewery, owned by over 100 shareholders and supported by more than 1,000 members - most of whom are local residents - has actively engaged with stakeholders to ensure the plans align with community expectations. Nethergate’s planning application marks the beginning of what it hopes will be a transformative chapter for the brewery and the wider village. The team looks forward to working closely with the local council, residents, and other interested parties to bring their vision to life.

For more information go to www.nethergate.co.uk

DALUM CO2

Thisted Bryghus,

Orbit brings back a seasonal favourite

Orbit Beers is bringing back its much-loved Lentebock for Spring 2025.

First brewed by the South London brewery, and well received, in 2021, Lentebock is traditionally a Dutch-style lager, brewed to celebrate the start of springtime. This beer style is a rarity in the UK and is refreshing and crisp, with a bold bitterness.

The style is similar to a German Maibock, but with a lower ABV and a more subtle bitterness (Orbit Beers’ original Lentebock was 6.4% ABV, Maibocks are usually around 7.5% ABV).

It is due for release in April 2025 and will coincide with a Spring Festival at Orbit Beers Taproom near Kennington on Saturday 26th April.

Find out more at www.orbitbeers.com

Abbeydale goes fully gluten-free

Abbeydale Brewery has announced that its entire range of beers is now gluten-free, meeting growing demand in this area.

For many years, the employee-owned, Sheffield based brewery has been leading the way in producing a beers in a wide range of styles using a gluten reducing enzyme, led by its permanently available beers Heathen American Pale Ale and Heresy Lager. The team has now committed to ensuring all of the brewery’s beer, including popular flagship pale ale, Moonshine, contain less than the 20ppm gluten required to label a product gluten-free. The use of the enzyme in the brewing process has no impact on the final flavour, and so the recipes for each beer have remained the same. This move is the culmination of a project which has encompassed rigorous quality control and testing procedures, alongside detailed consumer outreach and taking on board customer feedback.

Managing Director and Co-Owner Dan Baxter said: “It’s an ambition of ours to make sure our beers are accessible to and enjoyed by as many drinkers as possible, and ensuring the trust of our customers is key. We’re really pleased to be in a position to confidently sell all of our beers as gluten-free, offering a fantastic amount of choice to publicans and end consumers alike.”

Find out more at www.abbeydalebrewery.co.uk

Bays Brewery pours £4,861 into local charities in 2024

Bays Brewery in Paignton kickstarted the New Year with the feelgood factor following the news that its 2024 limited-edition ‘Charity Brews’ have raised £4,861 for four deserving Devon charities.

The family-run brewery raised the amount with the help of thirsty beer fans from across Devon who were only too willing to raise a toast to a great cause with a pint of Bays’ big-hearted brews.

The first of its charity ales hit shelves back in February last year when the brewery joined forces with the Ashburton division of Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team to launch ‘Tracker Ale’.

Bays pledged 5% of every pint and bottle sold to help fund the replacement of the team’s oldest Land Rover for future rescue missions in Torbay, Dartmoor and East Devon, raising £1,068.

Spring then saw Bays Brewery partner up with Paignton Zoo for a charity brew called ‘Funky Monkey’, which celebrated plans for ‘Hamadryas Hill’, a new home for its troop of baboons

The limited-edition beer raised £1,400 and was one of a long line-up of ‘animal’ ales made in partnership with the visitor attraction, bringing its total amount raised to date to £28,500.

For its third charity beer, the brewery took to the skies by teaming up with Devon Air Ambulance for a high-flying collaboration called ‘Chopper Ale’ – a gorgeous golden ale launched for Summer.

The charity beer proved a hit among those keen to help keep its air ambulances flying and fleet of critical care cars responding during the busy season, raising a grand total of £1,350.

Completing the charity line-up in November was ‘Jingle Ale’, a ho-ho hoppy bitter aimed at spreading cheer with 5% of proceeds supporting Children’s Hospice South West.

Providing hospice care for children and their families across the South West living with life-limiting illnesses, the final charity brew of 2024 wrapped up the year in true festive style raising £1,043.

Director of Bays Brewery, Peter Salmon, said: “With many local charities facing unprecedented demand alongside inadequate funding, we are pleased to be able to play a small part by helping raise much-needed funds for four incredible worthy causes.

“A huge heartfelt thanks to our customers, local pubs, and retailers who supported our charity brews in 2024. This collective effort highlights the power of community and the role businesses can play in driving positive change.”

Bays Brewery will be saying ‘cheers’ once again in 2025 with four brand-new charity brews, all of which will see 5% of proceeds from every pint and bottle sold donated to top Devon charities.

For more information go to www.baysbrewery.co.uk

L to R: Bays Brewery Director Peter Salmon, Head Brewer & Director Will Freeland and Director Mark Salmon

Mark Newton Photography

FAST

SMOOTH

Palmers looks back on a successful 2024: 230 years and still brewing…

Looking back on a successful 2024, Palmers’ 230th anniversary year, the brewery celebrated several achievements and is ready for another exciting year of brewing in 2025. The brewery was pleased to win some prestigious awards throughout the year, starting with all five of its bottled ales winning gold in the 2024 Taste of the West awards. Palmers then went on to win gold for Tally Ho!, silver for IPA and bronze for 200 in the SIBA South West awards. Tally Ho! then won gold in the International Beer Challenge in October, while Dorset Gold and 200 took home silver awards. Palmers is very proud of its brewhouse team for continuing to produce the high quality ales customers have come to expect from Palmers. The launch of the Palmers 230th Anniversary Ale Trail was also well received by customers, and there was fantastic uptake from the CaskFinder app. Lots of prizes were sent out

and lots of beer was drunk!

In May, the Palmers Brewery Community Fund was relaunched in conjunction with CrowdFunder. The fund allows the brewery to support local projects and initiatives which benefit the local community and strive to keep West Dorset being one of the best places to live, visit and explore. Palmers invites not-for-profit organisations in the area to apply and tops up the fund throughout the year with events and seasonal ale sales.

The 230th Anniversary Commemorative Beer Festival in September was a roaring success thanks to the help of the brewery’s friends at CAMRA who volunteered at the events and the IFBB members who donated beer to the festival. All proceeds were added directly to the Palmers Brewery Community Fund.

Being true to oneself in the seasons of change

Craig Steven, the Commercial Manager at Orkney Brewery, ponders the challenges of the new year and getting your seasonal beer range right, hopefully without resorting to AI…

“Yes, it’s January, the eagerly awaited Orkney Brewery Cask Seasonal Selection is about to be instantly released…or is it?

In terms of creating new beers, it is usually style first, then strength, recipe, and ingredient selection.

Not sure we touch on the words ‘target specification’, where is the love and art in that? We also must factor in what month and how long for? Finally, there is the notinconsequential matter of the name of the beer and the imagery.

So, sounds like a job for AI?! Well, ‘mibbes naw’ as we say up our way, because where is the inspiration and indeed the personality in that?

To bring on great ideas you need inspired people, and of course sources of inspiration.

So, in terms of the people, we have an experienced Head Brewer who is a graduate from Heriot Watt and has been with us from the start, a ‘know it all’ Commercial Manager/Certified Beer Sommelier, who grew the Caledonian Brewery’s guest beer range in their good old days. And top of the tree is the bossman, from generations of Orcadians. He knows what is under every rock, on any beach on Orkney and has firsthand knowledge of the wildlife.

So, in short, a laid-back head brewer, a loudmouth, and a reflector - an interesting mix.

In terms of beers, touch wood, we tend to get there quickly, not really believing in trial brews nor having a pilot kit, we just tend to go for it and so far, so good. We need to keep abreast of what new hops, yeast strains and special ingredients are available and what is best to use.

Naming the beer is where the inspiration comes in, this comes from the loud mouth and the reflector first foraging then fencing

As ever, Palmers’ seasonal ales were a great hit throughout the year. The brewery brought back a heritage ale, Bridport Bitter, in line with the 230th anniversary celebrations, sparking a lot of nostalgia for many and becoming a talking point at the bar.

Later in the year, an exhibition showcasing the work of the late George Biles took place in Bridport. Biles spent almost 70 years signwriting Palmers pub signs and created the very sign found on the label of Bridport Bitter. Everyone in the team at Palmers is now looking forward to the year ahead and the progression 2025 will no doubt bring.

Find out more at www.palmersbrewery.com

off against each other for who knows best. Conveniently the common ground and inspiration is Orkney, its landscape (its seascape) and its legends. Our approach is not a naming convention that is transient, incongruous and hollow, but relates back to the inspiring realm we dwell in. Although this is not limitless, and could be considered a weakness, it is one of our strengths, as we build up the brand of Orkney, its provenance, place and the advantage of that adventure.

In terms of design, we have someone close at hand and known to our close-knit family, who happily absorbs our input. This allows us to be relatively fleet of foot and get on with brewing the beer. So, we bypass the need for creative agency meetings and to be honest, the brewhouse floor is a bit too cold for bean bags! So, creating new beers for us is akin to writing music - the Beatles of Brewing and certainly not the Stock Aikman and Waterman AI version to come.”

Find out more at www.orkneybrewery.co.uk

Brewer's Viewpoint

The next Barcode Revolution

Supplier Viewpoint

Wayne Johnson from Faedah Solutions looks at how the latest changes to the barcode system will affect brewers and what needs to change to accommodate the new-look codes…

There has been a lot of talk recently in the industry about the Sunrise 2027 Project which will see a new GS1 barcode (QR / 2D code) replace the existing 1D linear barcodes on all products. Faedah Solutions has been reviewing the changes, what it means to suppliers and discussions with printer manufacturers so that they are best placed to support manufacturers in the changes as part of their automation systems. But what does it actually mean?

With the increasing demand from consumers for more information about their products, traceability, recycling instructions etc, and to reduce the amount of barcodes already used on packaging to achieve this, a “One size fits all” barcode was required. The new QR code with GS1 data link or GS1 DataMatrix barcodes achieve this. Making the scanning process easier, clearer and more efficient for all parties involved.

What are the differences?

With the current 1D linear barcodes, as used on all bottles & cans, these can be scanned at checkouts, no link to the internet, no variable data held and only contains the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and no other data to show batch codes or traceability.

The NEW barcodes can hold much more information or links to other systems. They are much more robust and allow scanning even if damaged or poorly printed. They are much smaller but not only contain the GTIN but can also contain expiration dates, batch numbers and other traceability information.

What does it mean to manufacturers and how can Faedah Solutions help?

The information contained within the barcode can be achieved in two ways.

1) Can be entered at the point the packaging is originally printed, and the information is then accessed via the web URL (traceability information, recycling information, promotional information etc.

2) On the production line at the point of filling the pack. This will then include the batch code, expiration code etc.

To achieve point 2, the online printers need to be able to print the new style barcodes and also accept the batch code and expiration code information. This is where Faedah Solutions can help. Automating the transfer of the required data to the printers ensures the correct information on the pack and removes the human error. Faedah Solutions work closely with all printer manufacturers and have been discussing the changes and implications for some time so that we are best placed to support manufacturers and SIBA members.

Our scanning and vision systems can also ensure the correct barcodes are being used and therefore the correct packaging, eliminating product withdrawals due to incorrect allergen information or customer branding.

What are the benefits?

Like other QR codes, the QR codes with GS1 digital link contain a URL. This URL can be linked to many possibilities and the information displayed will depend on the user (Consumer, retailer etc).

The road map.

The aim of the project is that by the end of 2027 the new generation of barcodes are being used and this is being supported by retailers globally. To help achieve this, a transition period has been established. This allows the current 1D linear barcode to be printed at the same time as the new barcode with the end game being only the new barcodes being printed by the end of 2027. Although the new style barcodes are not mandatory, noise in the market from consumers and retailer pressure for increased information and traceability will ensure the take up of the next generation barcode is strong.

Faedah Solutions was founded in 2020 by Wayne Johnson and Paul Unwin, who combined their decades of operational and technical experience to create innovative solutions for manufacturers. Specialising in autocoding and label verification, their flagship product, Check Sure®, empowers companies to reduce errors, minimise waste, and drive lasting success. With its workforce doubling in the past six months and the delivery of another liveried vehicle, the company is experiencing rapid growth and expansion, driven by a series of high-impact, successfully delivered projects.

Chat with Faedah Solutions at SIBA BeerX 2025, Stand

Brewing Services celebrates 35 years of its ‘Fundamentals’ brewing course

Back in October 1989, Brewing Services wrote and ran the first “Fundamentals of Mini-Brewing” course in Malton, and this has now become what the team believes is the longest-running brewing course in the world dedicated to those working in smaller brewing enterprises.

The initial reason for writing and running the course was that no one else had considered that training for those working in the smaller brewing community was necessary or worthwhile.

David Smith approached Geoff Woollons,

owner and Head Brewer at the Malton Brewing Co, someone with over 40 years brewing experience under his belt, to help change this. They set about firstly writing a book, and then running a course, which explains the underlying principles and basic science underpinning the brewing process, and how this can be applied to small scale brewing operations.

Since then, this biannual course has attracted many attendees from all parts of the UK and occasionally abroad. The attendees come from all areas of the brewing fraternity including brewers, those about to start a brewery, those

Croxsons makes two new appointments to its team

Leading glass packaging company Croxsons has announced the appointment of Veronica Chambers as quality and technical manager, as well as Jim Harrower who becomes their new sales manager for Scotland and Ireland.

With over 10 years of experience in the drinks and packaging industry, Veronica brings a wealth of expertise in compliance, quality management systems and sustainability. Reporting directly to the commercial director, Veronica will oversee Croxsons’ quality management system, ensuring all products meet rigorous customer specifications and quality standards.

Meanwhile, Jim brings over 15 years of experience in the FMCG drinks industry, including five years dedicated to glass packaging.

Reporting to Matthew Winfield, Croxsons’ UK sales manager, Jim’s new role focuses on driving sales, expanding distribution and increasing market share of Croxsons’ primary packaging solutions across key sectors, including spirits, beer, food, non-alcoholic beverages and wine. Croxsons, a family-owned glass packaging company with over 150 years of expertise, provides bespoke glass containers and closures for the food and beverage industry worldwide. Headquartered in Surrey, UK, with a global presence, the company is recognised for its innovation, sustainability and exceptional quality.

For more information go to www.croxsons.com

who have recently joined a brewery, and brewery suppliers. All are people wanting a greater insight into the why’s and wherefores of making beer.

In November, Brewing Services celebrated 35 years since they ran that very first course in Malton, and now, roll on the 36th year, and the next course, Brewing: The Fundamentals, is running in York from Sunday 30th March to Wednesday 2nd April 2025.

For more information go to www.brewingservices.co.uk

Hop Forward elevates awardwinning beer, music and food festival, FyneFest, with new website design

Hop Forward has joined forces with Fyne Ales to transform the digital presence of FyneFest, Scotland’s renowned beer, music, and food festival.

The event, hosted annually on the scenic Glen Fyne brewery farm, has grown from humble beginnings in 2010 with just 300 attendees to welcoming over 2,000 guests each year.

The festival’s unique blend of family-friendly entertainment, featuring over 40 musical acts, 150+ beers, 30 breweries, and a diverse range of food vendors, needed a digital platform that could truly showcase its vibrant offerings.

Drawing from a library of striking professional photography by Alasdair Watson and engaging videography by DHShields, the site immerses visitors in the festival’s atmosphere. Key features include simplified navigation, a comprehensive beer list with filtering options, and visually rich content that captures the festival’s essence.

“We wanted to create a website that mirrored the inclusivity and excitement of FyneFest while

being as engaging and user-friendly as some of the UK’s leading non-beer-focused festivals,” said Aidy Fenwick, Marketing Manager at Fyne Ales.

The website redesign centered on creating a seamless, user-friendly experience for both potential festive attendees and the FyneAles team, who are able to easily maintain the site inhouse.

The revamped site aims to expand FyneFest’s reach beyond its loyal craft beer enthusiasts to new audiences, including families, music lovers, and international visitors. Search engine optimisation, powered by tools like RankMath and Google Console, ensures the site is discoverable for those searching for events and activities in Scotland.

Combining Hop Forward’s expertise with Fyne Ales’ vision, the website celebrates what makes FyneFest special: a welcoming community, unforgettable experiences, and, of course, exceptional beer.

Visit the new site at www.fynefest.com

Hop Forward Podcast returns for Season 6

December saw the relaunch of the Hop Forward Podcast for Season 6.

Since launching in November 2018, the Hop Forward Podcast has been widely listened to by beer professionals and drinkers alike in the United Kingdom, Europe, USA and across the world. However, it became apparent in November 2023 to the show’s creator and host, Nick Law, that the podcast needed to take a break.

Nick said: “A major project had taken up so much time and energy, and squeezing in new episodes weekly was becoming unsustainable. On top of that, changes to social media algorithms made it harder to reach both new and regular listeners.”

The Hop Forward Podcast isn’t the only show affected by these challenges. Long-running UK beer podcast, the Beer O’Clock Show, ended its 12-year run citing similar difficulties. Additionally, in a move that shocked the global beverage industry, the long-established drinks platform Good Beer Hunting announced in July its decision to go on a permanent hiatus, also attributing the shift - in part - to increasing struggles in reaching wider audiences through social media.

Nick added: “Despite these challenges, there was part of me that didn’t want to be another casualty of Elon Musk and just axe something I loved doing. Throughout the course of 2024, brewing professionals kept approaching me asking when the show was coming back and lamented losing it. In taking some time out, I realised that I had something unique to offer and a voice to contribute to the industry; it was time to take the podcast out of the proverbial fridge and pour some fresh episodes.”

Sponsored by Charles Faram & Co, Crisp Malting Group and a range of other suppliers, the Hop Forward Podcast has relaunched with exciting new episodes featuring Colbier Brew Co, Buxton Brewery, journalist David Jesudason, Steam Machine Brewing Company and a panel discussion recorded at last year’s SIBA Beer X on regenerative agriculture.

To find out more visit www.hopforward.beer

Sheffield Beer Week returns in 2025: March 10th to 16th

Get ready to raise a glass to Sheffield Beer Week, as this citywide celebration of craft beer will once again unite the community.

This year, Sheffield Beer Week will shine a spotlight on the 'Outdoor City' it calls home during The Festival of the Outdoors and the unique blend of beer and food pairing - showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary scene alongside its thriving craft beer industry. Expect a diverse program of events, including:

• Brewery Tours & Tastings: Go behind the scenes at local breweries, learn about the brewing process, and sample their latest creations. Visit the wealth of pubs, bars, beer shops and taprooms to enjoy tastings and events.

• Beer & Food Pairings: Indulge in expertly curated local menus featuring beers paired with delicious dishes.

• Pub Tours & Walking Trail Events: Discover the gems, explore the city's diverse pub, bar, beer shop and beer scene with guided tours and self-guided trails.

• Community Events: Participate in family-friendly events, charity fundraisers, workshops and book readings that celebrate the spirit of community.

Sheffield Beer Week will also delve into the city's rich brewing heritage, exploring its historical significance.

"We are thrilled to bring back Sheffield Beer Week and invite the community to join us in celebrating the city's vibrant beer culture," said Jules Gray, one of the organisers of Sheffield Beer Week.

"This year, we are focusing on the unique connection between beer and food, while also honouring our city's brewing heritage and the stunning outdoor city we call home. We encourage everyone to come out and experience the best of Sheffield."

Find out more at www.sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk

INDEPENDENT FAMILY MALTSTERS SINCE 1809

• 30 Different Malts

• Manufacturing Quality Malts for Over 200 Years

• Roasted & Floor Made Malts

+44 (0)1977 552490

www.fawcett-maltsters.co.uk

sales@fawcett-maltsters.co.uk

Eastfield Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 4LE, United Kingdom

BREWERY START-UPS & EXPANSIONS, ON-SITE QA & QC SURVEYS, TECHNICAL SUPPORT & TROUBLESHOOTING ON-SITE TRAINING & RESIDENTIAL TRAINING COURSES NEXT COURSE: 30 MARCH 2 APRIL 2025

Rob Smith, Hayley Young & David Smith Office Telephone: 01904 233418 enquiries@brewingservices.co.uk www.brewingservices.co.uk

Visit us at Stand 81

Many breweries have seen a growing reliance on nitrogen gas for a number of stages, and process applications, throughout the beer-making process. Typically, these range from flushing pipework and tanks, to eliminating unwanted CO2 and oxygen, and purging residual wort or mash from completed batch vessels to prevent the risk of contamination spoiling the next brew batch. In addition to these applications, pressurised nitrogen gas can serve as the ideal medium to aid the flow of beer from one tank chamber to another and to facilitate pressurised keg filling,

as well as all other filling, bottling and canning operations.

As many breweries have experienced, on-site nitrogen generation offers a more sustainable and cost-efficient solution than reliance on nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas delivered in cylinders or as bulk liquid supply, which all require transport, handling and dependence upon supplier delivery schedules. Compressed air is used throughout the brewing process – from aeration and bottling to cleaning and moving the beer between production stages. Air that comes into contact with the product

Bristol Beer Factory works with BSPS for its new brewery

Bristol Beer Factory is building a new brewery at Ashton Gate in Bristol with a new brewhouse from Brewstar and malt silos and milling from Bulk Storage and Process Systems (BSPS).

Bristol Beer Factory is a well-established brand in the city and surrounding counties.

The brewery expansion will increase production and fermenting capacity, product quality and also reduce manual handling. BSPS's involvement includes the design and installation of new bulk malt handling equipment, two 31t malt silos, a Buhler 4 roll malt mill, a malt conveying system and an 1800Kg grist hopper on load cells with dust filter. The four roll mill will allow the brewers greater production control on grist quality and ends the need to buy in pre-crushed malt.

Bristol Beer Factory sales are increasing, indicating the need for the expansion. Tristan Hembrow, Head Brewer at Bristol Beer Factory, said: “Due to outgrowing our original home of 20 years and the increase in demand of our products, we needed to find a new home in South Bristol. The new production facility allows us to keep up with demand whilst continuing to innovate and bring new products to our independent customers and community.”

For more information contact Bill Egerton at BSPS on 01483 202211 or email bill@bulksystems.co.uk

Atlas Copco offers solutions for efficient and safe beer production

should be sterile to avoid bacteria growth and contamination. An efficient compressor can not only boost a brewery’s bottom line, but also support it in achieving its sustainability goals.

Atlas Copco’s has produced an ebook which explains the key nitrogen and compressed air requirements for a microbrewery, examines air quality requirements, explains the importance of looking at total cost of ownership and offers advice on selecting the right equipment.

Read more at www.atlascopco.com

Johnston Carmichael expands in the North East

As a leading UK accountancy and business advisory firm, and proud SIBA member, Johnston Carmichael continues to grow its presence in the North East of England. Following the opening of larger premises in Newcastle last year, the team in the city is set to expand further in 2025.

With a client base of over 500 food and drink businesses nationwide, including around 30 breweries, the sector remains a key focus for the firm. The opening of its Newcastle office in January 2023 marked an exciting milestone, starting with a team of four that has now grown to over 15, with further additions expected in the coming months.

This growing team enables us Johnston Carmichael to provide client support across the UK, with major offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and London.

While the team offers essential services like year-end compliance and taxation advice, what sets Johnston Carmichael apart is its tailored, specialist offerings. These include:

• Corporate Finance: Assisting with business planning and fundraising strategies.

• Business Advisory: Providing strategic support for growth and development.

• Digital Transformation: Advising on the best accounting software for your needs.

• Outsourced Finance: Let us handle your bookkeeping and accounting, so you can focus on brewing.

• Payroll: Managing your weekly or monthly payroll requirements.

• Restructuring: Offering guidance during challenging trading conditions.

• Corporate and Specialist Tax: Covering areas such as small producer relief, enterprise investment schemes, and tax allowances.

• Audit Services: For breweries operating at scale.

• International Tax: Simplifying export tax complexities.

• Personal Tax: Supporting with wealth management, pension planning, and individual tax needs.

Throughout 2025, Johnston Carmichael expects to see many breweries switch focus to low-ABV and non-alcoholic beers. There is a growing demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking their favourite drinks without the effects of alcohol. There is also likely to be a switch to more eco-friendly practices with consumers now favouring brands that embrace renewable energy use and eco-conscious packaging. Many breweries are also now adopting AI and other technologies to optimise production, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations. Rising production costs, changes to the national minimum wage, and increased Employer National Insurance contributions are placing greater financial strain on breweries, especially small and medium-sized businesses. These challenges, compounded by reduced consumer spending and a post-Brexit and post-Covid world have led to closures or restructuring for some breweries.

To adapt, many breweries are pursuing mergers, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations to share resources and broaden their market reach. Sound financial planning is essential for success in this environment, whether you aim to grow, explore M&A opportunities, or plan an exit strategy, and Johnston Carmichael has seen an increase in breweries contacting them through the SIBA helpline for support on the above issues.

The helpline, available via the SIBA Toolbox, provides breweries access to expert advice when navigating such financial challenges.

Bfbi events update: Cellar to Seller

Cellar to Seller is hosting a one-day knowledge exchange, aimed at brand owners and cellar service technicians, both experienced and new to keg dispense.

The day will share knowledge and information, aiming to develop and strengthen the cellar service technician network and educate new to keg brand owners of their responsibilities.

Alongside talks and presentations, dispense sector manufacturers, suppliers and installers will showcase their products and services via a tabletop exhibition.

The event will benefit from 1 day/6 hours’ worth of CPD points and a CPD Certificate of Attendance will be given to all attendees.

Sessions include:

• An introduction of the Primary Brewer Guidelines, discussing gaining access to main lines. Followed by a practical demonstration.

• A session discussing Low & No Alcohol Beers – Practicalities of Dispensing on Draught

• Lowering Carbon Footprint in the Cellar

• A Q & A session for new to industry technicians, providing an opportunity for newer cellar service technicians to ask questions, learn the common faults, develop a network of peers for future consultation.

Cost of attendance, to include digital copies of all presentations, tea/coffee and pastries during breaks and lunch is:

£50 + VAT – Member/Brand Owner Rate + SIBA Members

£75 + VAT – Non-Member/Non-Brand Owner Rate

The dispense sector is niche and very much unseen by the wider industry and consumer yet it is the point at which the quality of product can be most at risk. This event enables the industry to better understand its responsibilities in terms of the primary gas dispense system, improve knowledge for those working within it and develop a collaborative network for the future.

Find out more and book your place by emailing events@bfbi.org.uk

Paul Shields, Head of the Newcastle Office and Business Advisory Partner

SIBA Gold members

BrewMan

James Gardner james@premiersystems.com

Breww Ltd

James Collier hello@breww.com

Charles Faram

Any of the team sales@charlesfaram.co.uk

Close Brothers Brewery Rentals

Becki Mason Rebecca.Mason@closebrothers.com

Crisp Malting Group

Colin Johnston colin.johnston@crispmalt.com

Kegstar

James Bleakley jamesb@kegstar.com

Loughran Brewers

Select

Digby Fullam marketing@malt.ie

Murphy & Son

Frances Maud frances.maud@murphyandson.co.uk

Napthens LLP

James Allison

James.Allison@napthens.co.uk

Rawlings Group with Vigo

Tom Wood thomaswood@rawlingsbristol.co.uk

Thomas Fawcett & Sons

James Fawcett james@fawcett-maltsters.co.uk

William Croxson & Son Limited Sales Team sales@croxsons.com

SIBA Silver members

Anton Paar Ltd

Tertia Rimell tertia.rimell@anton-paar.com

Beatson Clark Ltd

Charlotte Pike sales@beatsonclark.co.uk

Beer Box Shop

Simon Hulse sales@beerboxshop.co.uk

Core Equipment Ltd

Jonathan Chaplin claire.white@core-equip.com

Festival Glass

Kelsey Cheesbrough sales@festivalglass.co.uk

GEA UK

Micro Can Ltd Canning Lines

Warren Stanley info@microcan.co.uk

Muntons PLC

Vanessa Makings vanessa.makings@muntons.com

Pneumatic Scale Angelus

Tom Bowdige tom.bowdige@bwpackagingsystems.com

Rankin Brothers & Sons

Jim Rankin sales@rankincork.co.uk

Paul Leeman sales.unitedkingdom@gea.com

Glassware Branding

Richard Ross richard.ross@cnc-group.co.uk

IGC Engineering Ltd

Chris Hamlett chrishamlettigc@onetel.com

Konvoy

Christian Barden konvoy@konvoykegs.co.uk

Lallemand Brewing

Andrew Paterson apaterson@lallemand.com

Lemon Top

Creative

Andy Mogg hello@lemontopcreative.com

Rastal GmbH & Co KG

Timo Leukel timo.leukel@rastal.com

Saxon Packaging

Mike Impson mike.impson@smurfitkappa.co.uk

Simpsons Malt

Richard Simpson orderoffice@simpsonsmalt.co.uk

Vale Labels Ltd

John Riches john@valelabels.co.uk

Willis Publicity

Carl Andrews carl@willispublicity.co.uk

Wine Box Company

Marketing Team marketing@wbc.co.uk

LALLEMAND BREWING

Head Office: 01765 640441

SIBA Team

Andy Slee Chief Executive andy.slee@siba.co.uk

Rachel Harriott

Head of Membership Services rachel.harriott@siba.co.uk

Neil Walker

Head of Comms & Marketing neil.walker@siba.co.uk

Barry Watts

Head of Public Affairs & Policy barry.watts@siba.co.uk

Elle Spencer-Blanchard

Membership Services Administrator elle.spencerblanchard@siba.co.uk

Emma Guneyogullari

Membership Services Assistant emma.guneyogullari@siba.co.uk

Megan Brecken Events & Marketing Officer megan.brecken@siba.co.uk

All General Enquiries contact office@siba.co.uk

Board of Elected Directors

Existing members wishing to contact your regional representatives can use the relevant regional e-mail addresses listed below. For individuals, just type firstname.lastname@siba.co.uk

Chairman of SIBA Richard Naisby Vice-Chairman of SIBA Anthony Hughes

East

Chair Richard Naisby Milton Brewery (Chair of the Board)

Ian Rydings Leigh on Sea Brewery

John Cussons Ferry Ales Brewery

Midlands

Chair Anneli Baxter Loose Cannon Brewing Co Ltd

Anthony Hughes Lincoln Green Brewing Co Ltd (Vice-Chair of the Board)

Sam Back Attic Brew Co Ltd

Tim Wilkins Bewdley Brewery

North East

Chair Joe Joyce Harrogate Brewing

Ian Fozard Rooster’s Brewery Ltd

Alex Balchin Wold Top Brewery

North West

Chair Paul Jones Cloudwater Brew Co Ben Croston Fuzzy Duck Brewery

Northern Ireland

Chair William Mayne Bullhouse Brewing Co

Chris Morris Modest Beer Brewing Co

Scotland

Chair Ian McGrath Beath Brewing

Jamie Delap Fyne Ales

South East

Chair Andy Parker Elusive Brewing Ltd

Andy Hayward Thames Side Brewery

Dave Hayward Indie Rabble Brew Co

South West

Chair Paul Arrowsmith Isca Ales Ltd

Alan Collyer The Exeter Brewery

Paul Dimond Branscombe Vale Brewery

Wales

Philip Thomas Bragdy Twt Lol Brewery

Sara Webber S A Brain & Co

SIBA

PO BOX 136, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5WW