Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Home deliveries could prove lifeline for Gloucestershire brewery

We may not be allowed out this Easter, but the simple art of home delivery is helping ensure some of the simple pleasures of life will be there when we escape lock down.

Independent beer makers like Severn Brewing (S7N), based in Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge, have resorted to home delivery to keep the business going.

Started by Iain Crockett (pictured) back in 2017, the brewery has won awards for its beer, building a reputation for creating unique tasting beers, lagers and ciders.

When the lock-down hit its first move was to seek finance, and when that failed it was time for a radical re-think.

"The brewery and our staff were hit hard by the news that all the local pubs and shops we supplied had to close under the Coronavirus lockdown," said Iain.

"Our hearts went out to the families that ran these businesses. At the same time we were thinking it was game over for the brewery, with no new orders coming in.

"Having tried to negotiate with the bank for credit, it became clear that we needed to do some radical thinking to try to continue trading.

"The first thing we needed to do was ensure that the stock of beer we had already brewed could be distributed in Gloucestershire.

"Thanks to a plea on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, we were inundated with people at home wanting to help and wanting beer.

"Our phones went into meltdown and we struggled to keep up with the telephone orders. But it got us thinking. At the time, we weren't set up for taking small orders or delivering to lots of addresses in one go.

"Luckily Chris Isaac, our designer, was able to quickly create a series of new forms that, with the help of Cam Systems in Dursley's stock control system, gave us the ability to turn our business-to-business model into a business-to-consumer one.

"We couldn't have made this work without the support of our staff, who have gone from being full-time brewers to brewers/delivery drivers.

"Thankfully, they'd prefer to do that than pour great beer down the drain! Word has now got out to other local suppliers, who we're happy to help.

"This means we can now supply wines, spirits and ciders, along with the beer - as close as we can get to delivering the pub to people's doorsteps. It also means we've been able to brew some small batches again this week."

For stock availability, pricing and to book your home delivery, go to www.s7n.co.uk.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.