‘I had to establish a customer base before we were even considered for a loan’
What level of start-up costs did you incur in setting up the business?
It took €200,000 to set up the Brewing Company on the farm and get to where we are today. This was funded by a mixture of bank finance and a grant from Laois Enterprise Office.
Was financing readily available from the banks for this type of business?
Eventually, yes. It took me eighteen months though. I had to establish a customer base before we were even considered for a loan.
But once I had done this we were able to get the loan through the SBCI Scheme with AIB. It was secured against the order book, rather than against the farm which was ideal for us.
Was planning permission required and if so, was it difficult to get?
Yes we applied to Laois County Council for change of use planning permission as we were converting the sheep shed to a microbrewery with office and storage space. The generations before us had diversified into other businesses on the land so the area was already like a small industrial space which made it a bit easier to get.
The Leix Dairy is on one side of the road, which as I said, has been taken over as a depot for Glanbia and then there’s also Clonmore Meats, a busy abattoir.
Having these businesses around us and having existing sewerage made it easier to get approved.
What grant aid or other assistance was available?
We got a Business Priming Grant from the local Enterprise Office. It was a fantastic help.
What supports bodies/agencies were available to help?
The Local Enterprise Office was great. I really can’t speak highly enough of it. I also did a course in brewing through the Institute of Brewers and Distillers which led to a certificate in Brewing. This has been very useful.
Was insurance required?
Yes, we have product insurance, public liability insurance and employers insurance as we are a limited company.
How much time was needed to get your farm business up and running?
It took three to four years to get properly established. We started working on the idea in 2013 and we were brewing on the farm by 2016.
How do you package and label your product?
We use the Mobile Craft Bottling Company so they bring their service to our microbrewery and do everything here on the farm.
We also use Irish Craft Canning for canning our beer. These companies provide the bottles, cans and labels so it’s very convenient.
It means we don’t have to invest in expensive bottling and canning equipment. We also package beer in keg for the local on trade.
Where can your products be found?
We supply independent off-licenses throughout Ireland well as selected Supervalu stores and O’Brien’s Wines which is nationwide.
We also supply on trade locally through Tully’s Wholesale and online with Beer Cloud and Radical Drinks. We are now exporting to France and Russia also.