Spitfire Heritage secures funding for expansion

Ormskirk distillery Spitfire Heritage has secured a £70,000 loan from MSIF Finance Hub which it will use to expand its product range.

After securing an initial start-up loan of £25,000 from the Finance Hub, managing director Ian Hewitt and co-director Sarah Hewitt established their botanical crafted gin business earlier this year.

As well as distribution across bars, restaurants and hotels within the UK, Spitfire Heritage also supplies to a number of select retailers including Juniper Club and Harrods.

To keep up with the growing demand, the Finance Hub worked with Sue Chambers, MSIF investment manager, to obtain a further £70,000 loan to help with the development and protection of the Spitfire Heritage brand.

The firm plans to launch merchandise and apparel in the near future alongside a new product, Supermarine Vodka.

Following the successes of international air show events and the 100th Anniversary of The RAF, the hope is to target more aviation enthusiasts and, satisfy the increased interest of the Spitfire Heritage brand with expansion into the European market.

Ian Hewitt said: “Every small start-up gets to a point where it needs to expand and grow. MSIF have allowed us to not only broaden our business to a wider market but to draw in the help needed to protect our luxury brand.

“We have had an exciting year with some great opportunities and events. Providing Spitfire Gin as the choice of drink for the Queen’s Birthday at the Ambassador’s Residence in Paris, has to be a key highlight. None of this would have been possible without the help of George from the Finance Hub at the very beginning of our venture, and Sue’s continued support after that.”

George Wright, MSIF Finance Hub facilitator, said: “It has been a delight working with Ian and Sarah. The Spitfire brand is striking has some real strength and character. I’m eager to see what the next year brings.”

Sue Chambers added: “Ian is such a likable character with great passion for his brand. The credentials of the distiller are world class with a unique and creative bottle design. "The growth of his client base is a direct result of the hard work and dedication that he has put into Spitfire Heritage. I’m looking forward to further exciting developments the very near future.”