Distillery growth is just the tonic for job-seekers Group beaming after free timber donation
A GIN specialist is creating new jobs this year as it continues its international expansion plans.
Nelson’s Distillery & School has already filled a number of senior positions, with more roles set to be created in the coming months.
An equity crowdfunding campaign has already raised £250,000 to aid the expansion of a business which has four gin schools in the UK and one in the Philippines.
Mark Chambers, chief executive of Nelson’s Distillery & School, which is based in Uttoxeter, said: “We only launched the business two years ago and we have already established it as a major player in the UK gin market.
“We are now accelerating our investment to continue to expand the business and are anticipating recruiting 16 new staff from around Staffordshire and the surrounding areas this year and four more internationally.
“We will then be looking to employ a further 18 people next year as we look to continue to grow domestically and enhance our standing on the international stage.
“In terms of business growth, the pace has really gathered over the last two years and our ambition is to have a Nelson’s Gin and Vodka School in every major city around the world.
“The equity crowdfunding campaign offers our regular customers and the wider public the chance to join this exciting adventure and benefit from our ongoing success.
“Our aim was to raise £300,000 and I’m delighted to say that we expect to achieve that over the next few weeks.”
Nelson’s Distillery & School has already recruited for senior positions, with Iain Needham securing the position of finance and commercial director while Richard Mavers will be chief marketing officer.
Nelson’s was started by former chef Neil Harrison initially only for friends and family, but it has enjoyed continued growth since 2019 when Nelson’s Distillery and School was formed.
Since then, more than 100,000 bottles have been made and five new Gin & Vodka schools have been opened in the UK and Asia, while online sales soared by nearly 400% last year. For the equity crowdfunding campaign, individuals can donate as little as just over £10, with investors receiving equity in the business as well as access to a gift scheme that includes a limited edition personally crafted investor gin made by Neil, Gin and Vodka School vouchers to any location, a year’s supply of craft spirits and even attending a shareholder meeting in the Philippines. To register an interest visit https:// nelsonsdistillery.co.uk/crowdfund
Our ambition is to have a Nelson’s Gin and Vodka School in every major city around the world.
Mark Chambers
for their donation; it’s been very gratefully received and the wood has been put into storage ready for when we’re able to safely re-open, as unfortunately we’ve been closed for a year due to the pandemic.
“Hive Woodwork Group is a safe space for men and women to put aside their stresses and have a go at something new, with a big emphasis on social interaction.
“We support those struggling with mental health, depression and bereavement, which is now particularly important.
“I have a lot of future projects planned which I’m very excited about, such as looking at converting an old bus into a woodwork station and visiting schools in the area to help children with their mental health and get them outside.
“The reason I began Hive Woodwork Group was to give back to society, and I’m looking forward to supporting more people once we can re-open.”