A Yorkshire gin-maker has launched a crowdfunding campaign to promote sustainable growth and encourage investors to become part of its flourishing operation.
Whitby Distillery has launched the fundraiser with a target of £400,000 through crowdfunding specialists Seedrs, with plans to use the funds to support its expansion through trade, retail, tourism and export.
The company, which makes Whitby Gin, was founded in 2017 by Jessica Slater and Luke Pentith, who have grown their business from a passion project to one whose gin stocked in more than 200 outlets across the UK. Its products are crafted using hand foraged botanicals from the Yorkshire coast and moorland and more than 1,000 bottles are sold every week.
One of the firm’s key projects is to renovate two derelict barns at Abbey Lands on the south-west corner of the Whitby Abbey grounds. A planned move to relocate its distillery will also see the creation of a visitor centre, with the whole project triggering around 25 new jobs.
Mr Pentith explained: “Our equity crowdfunding raise on Seedrs will see us selling a small amount of the business through shares to our customers and to the general public. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in our flourishing business, which has shown sustainable growth year and year and has tremendous potential.
“This isn’t just about raising funds, it is an invitation to be an integral part of our growth and to own a piece of the dream. Once our new distillery is fully operational, we anticipate the business will grow by 500% over the next five years.
“We will be creating one of the most iconic distillery visitor experiences in England, positioned on one of the UK’s most beloved and popular coastal locations and providing high-quality leisure and function space for the local community to enjoy.”
Ms Slater said: “The opening of our distillery and visitor centre will be a complete game-changer for us, amplifying our brand across the UK, allowing us to reach more hearts and glasses, unleashing a wave of innovation and crafting exciting new spirits and products that will leave a lasting impression. Whilst we have been very happy in our current premises in nearby Botany Way, our new home will take Whitby Distillery to the next level, stepping up production and giving visitors the opportunity to see us distilling and bottling through the week with our tour experiences.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be restoring these derelict buildings on such a world-famous site. For us, this is all about launching an amazing adventure on the atmospheric North Sea coastline, with tremendous knock-on effects for the local economy. Our new eco-friendly and sustainable distillery is a serious commitment to Whitby. We are making a significant investment into the local community and the future of the town. As well as the distillery, our plans include the visitor centre, which will showcase our production process and our various spirits, as well as paying homage to the amazing cultural heritage of Whitby and providing an educational and corporate business space.”
Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber
