Dorset’s first gin distillery – founded just four years ago by a “disgruntled quantity surveyor” – is seeking £650,000 for a major expansion.
Conker Spirit was founded only four years ago and its bid for new funding values the business at £4million.
Rupert Holloway, founder of the Southbourne based brand, appeared before potential investors from Dorset Business Angels at its latest pitch event.
He told how the business now had eight staff, distilling and bottling more than 1,000 bottles a week. It supplies Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Fortnum & Mason, with Tesco and Ocado to follow.
Mr Holloway said: “We are hugely keen to capitalise on our brand value and move into national distribution, begin exporting and up-scale our facilities and premises to a much larger scale world-class visitor distillery.”
The business has identified a need for £650,000 in investment and is seeking equity funding of £400,000.
Mr Holloway said: “We aim to invest in our building, to restore and fit it out and create one of best distillery visitor attractions in the UK with a world class reputation, thereby allowing us to build brand visibility and reputation and diversify into the ‘experience’ and the night- time attraction economy.”
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