tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post6215695635419013984..comments2024-03-09T04:57:25.956+00:00Comments on HardKnott Dave's blog about stuff: Looking forwardAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-5371201914594777712017-01-06T11:45:43.447+00:002017-01-06T11:45:43.447+00:00Thanks for the support everyone, really heart-warm...Thanks for the support everyone, really heart-warming.<br /><br />Paul, your suggestions are certainly not silly and indeed inward investment has been sought for some time. We've had a couple of people seemingly serious and then pulled out when they realised the potential risks. The trouble is I do not believe in over-selling a job so I've always been honest and frank with people I think I can work with. I think that then comes across as defeatist. However, these experiences end up being a waste of time and further dent my own enthusiasm.<br /><br />I think Hardknott has a lot to offer the UK beer scene. We have experience and knowledge that should not be thrown away. I believe we can make a go of it if we can just capitalise the job without over-onerous interest rates.<br /><br />To that end we do have a potential partner, but he's sort of getting his act together in various ways and that can take some time. If that really does happen then there might be some very exciting things ahead. However, it probably won't prevent us having to release equity in our own property for various very good reasons.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-26811163224416738562017-01-05T22:52:13.091+00:002017-01-05T22:52:13.091+00:00A truly excellent article Dave which makes compell...A truly excellent article Dave which makes compelling reading. It also provides real insight into the trials and tribulations of running a brewery in 21st Century Britain. I have run my own business in the past, and whilst it was not on the same scale as yours, I know only too well how perilous things can often be. Sometimes it takes just one bad debt to tip things over; and my wife has seen this with a couple of the companies she has worked for in the past.<br /><br />Looking at possible solutions, have you considered looking for someone prepared to invest in the brewery? I realise this would mean sacrificing your independence, but if things take off you may be able to buy back the “investor’s share” at a later date.<br /><br />You also mention “crowd-funding” as a means of financing future expansion. Could you not do that now? As that way you could stay in your current premises and take your home (surely your most important asset?), off the market.<br /><br />Perhaps I am being a little naïve here, particularly as I am not in the “thick of it” like you, but it obviously goes without saying that I wish both you and Ann the very best of luck. Hang on in there and look to your instinct and your sub-conscious mind to provide the answers, as they must be there somewhere.<br />Paul Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-53954405426936697602017-01-05T10:36:46.934+00:002017-01-05T10:36:46.934+00:00Dave, a very enlightening and candid post. Your be...Dave, a very enlightening and candid post. Your beer is excellent. And I wish you all the very best in the future.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00471253310229041882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-23529420142632299612017-01-04T19:45:23.140+00:002017-01-04T19:45:23.140+00:00Hi Dave
Interesting and thought provoking stuff. I...Hi Dave<br />Interesting and thought provoking stuff. I'm just making my way into the industry having started as an assistant at a 12bbl plant last year who recently upscaled from a 5. . <br />Our owner only supplies to his own pubs of which he has a few and swapping with similar breweries with their own pubs where you don't have the hassle of chasing for invoices or getting casks back, because if you don't return mine, I don't return yours! <br /><br />We are also lucky to have a contract with a high end chain to provide all the beer they sell in their stores. It makes me question whether I should peruse what I thought would be my dream job as it may soon become a nightmare<br /><br />I still have an email from you I received 11 years ago where I was asking for advice about getting a brewery started and you basically said it was not worth the hassle. I only learned today the price of a bag of hops and nearly fell of my step ladder. Not to mention water, electricity, rates, duty, malt etc etc. <br /><br />All the best for 2017 whichever route you take. Brewery assistanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03836907438599787383noreply@blogger.com