Organic beer maker seeks £300k for new brewery
Stroud Brewery plans to move into a new facility in Thrupp, just outside Stroud, this autumn.
Just 400 yards away from its existing site, the new brewery will have greater capacity for beer production, as well as storage facilities, event spaces and larger offices.
The brewery will also be more sustainable, offering heat reclamation, rainwater harvesting and solar electricity, the brewer said. In addition, there will be a brand-new taproom bar with a canal-side view.
A £1m turnover company formed in 2016, Stroud claimed to be one of a handful of solely organic brewers in the UK.
The majority of its beer is sold to pubs in the Cotswolds and surrounding area, and to independent retailers across the UK.
Sustainable brewing ethos
It said short chains and lightweight packaging were part of its sustainable brewing ethos, as well as the reuse of waste grains and hops for cattle feed and compost. Malt and barley are sourced from within 15 miles of the brewery.
Working with sustainable bank Triodos, crowdfunding scheme bonds are expected to pay 5% interest with the capital repaid after seven years.
Investors will become members of the Stroud Brewery Beer Club for the period of the bond, giving them a 10% discount on beer purchases online or in the bar. Interested parties have until 31 August to apply.
Stroud Brewery managing director Greg Pilley said the new brewery was a “significant development” for the company.
‘A new range of beers’
Pilley said: “The brewery will allow us to ensure we retain and enhance our quality reputation but also to develop a range of new beers.
“When we first started talking about this project, we wanted to ensure that sustainability was at the core of the build and accommodate an ecologically designed brewery giving us a strong identity, a visitor destination and a vibrant community space.
“This crowdfunding campaign will give our customers further opportunities to invest in the brewery’s sustainable practices such as rainwater capture and solar photovoltaic panels.”
Dan Hird, head of the Triodos Corporate Finance team said: “We are delighted to be working with Stroud Brewery at such an exciting time for the company.
“We have been impressed with the management team and their commitment to sustainability through the whole supply chain.”
The details of the crowdfunding can be found here.
