Christmas order sets Batch Brew on course to growth

On completing its biggest order to date, Batch Brew gin distillery says it's on course for a more than 300 per cent increase in turnover.

The Burnley company, established in 2011 by Phil Whitwell, supplies the local, regional and international wholesale market, boasting customers like Booths and most recently the exclusive Craft Gin Club.

Claire Plowes, operations manager at Batch, said; “When we were approached by the Craft Gin Club to be in their Christmas subscription box we jumped at the chance. We had no idea how big the order would be and what opportunities it would provide.

Jonathan Nelson, a member of Boost’s Access to Finance team, met with Phil and Claire in April 2017.

“The Craft Gin Club order was almost 80 times bigger than any order Batch had done previously. It was a mammoth task for the team to take on and as with many orders, payment is received after delivery. Creating an order so much bigger than usual meant the team needed an injection of capital to fund ingredients, equipment and labour.”

In addition to finance support, Boost is helping the business in other areas. Claire, formally a teacher, is currently having mentoring sessions with Jaydee Davies, operations manager from Community and Business partners, who will be assisting her with skills in marketing, human resources and finance.