Craft brewing is something of an up and coming industry in the UK, with the amount of breweries across the UK at a 70-year high. These range from microbreweries to larger independent enterprises with an international reach.
The rise in popularity in craft brewing comes at a distinctly bleak time for the British pubs, with CAMRA estimating that 28 establishments are closing down every week in the UK .
However, despite the closures, the current trend for something with a strong identity, as well as flavour, is driving up demand for craft ales. According to the Guardian, sales of artisan and craft beers rose by 8% last year to an estimated 1.55m barrels.
Demand brings its own challenges to the craft brewing business; how does a small operation cope with potential production increases and the associated costs? Are there any restrictions or ceilings on the growth that a small business can accommodate? What are the customers' expectations for their product? And how do they create a distinct identity in a crowded marketplace?
To answer these questions, and any others you may have regarding the industry, we've assembled a panel of craft brewers and ale experts from across the country to offer their insight in a Q&A session.
So, whether you are looking to start up in this industry, or you are looking for advice on expanding your operation, post your questions in the comments section below, tweet us @GdnSmallBiz or join us live between 1pm and 2:30pm on Thursday 22 May to chat directly with our panel.
Our Panel
Gary Ward is the owner of Bethnal Green-based Redchurch Brewery. Redchurch supply their London-inspired ales throughout the capital and beyond. They offer a range of seven beers, including Hackney Gold and Brick Lane Lager.
Pete Brown is the author of five books, the annual Cask Report and a drinks blog. He has twice been named Beer Writer of the Year, appears regularly in TV and radio discussing beer and pubs, and acts occasionally as a consultant to the brewing industry.
Paddy Johnson is the founder of Windsor & Eton Brewery, which he began four years ago. Windsor & Eton Brewery is a founding member of the London Brewers' Alliance.
Jacob Gram Alsing is operations manager at Danish brewery Mikkeller. Mikkeller was founded by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø in Copenhagen eight years ago. It exports craft beers to more than 40 countries.
Stu and Claire Lascelles are the founders of East London Brewery. Since giving up the day jobs they have seen their brewery and their range of ales expand, supplying six different ales in both cask and bottle form.
Alex Troncoso is head brewer and development director at Camden Town Brewery. After starting life beneath a pub, Camden Town Brewery converted seven old Victorian arches into a modern brewery.
Paul Seiffert is co-founder of The Liverpool Craft Beer Co, a modern craft brewery producing distinctive beers for distribution throughout the UK and Europe.
Rich Myers and Mel Smith are marketing director and sales director at Meantime Brewing Company. Meantime was founded 15 years ago, and has since been central to the growth of modern craft brewing in London.
Tom Stainer is the editor of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) BEER magazine and What's Brewing publication and also currently acting head of communication for CAMRA. The organisation has been raising the profile of real ale for over 40 years and supports well-run pubs as the centres of community life.
Richard Worrall is director at British Craft Beer and specialises in export in the food and drink sector, working particularly with UK Breweries.
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