A SPIRITED PLAN FOR GROWTH


Lancaster Spirits Company is to add a single malt whisky to its line-up after investing a seven-figure sum in a new distillery and warehouse.


The company already produces vodka and gin, and is the sister company to Lancaster Brewery which produces beers and ciders.


The expansion has been two years in the planning, with the idea first conceived during the Covid-19 lockdown. With production now under way, bottling will begin in 2027 once the spirit held in casks has aged for the required minimum of three years.


The investment includes a new 3,000-litre copper and steel pot-still as well as an array of associated distilling equipment and an extensive bespoke cask racking.


The Whisky Room has been specifically designed and constructed to showcase the production,


View from Westminster WHY THIS NEW


GOVERNMENT MUST


NURTURE BUSINESS By Antony Higginbotham


Former Member of Parliament for Burnley


Here it is. My final column for Lancashire Business View. And I want to start with a message of optimism. Our county is amongst the most industrious, innovative, and diverse of any across the UK.


From aerospace and nuclear, to agri-tech and cyber security, there isn’t much we don’t do, and what we do, we do incredibly well. But that is only because of you – our business community. You take the risks, invest the capital, and employ the people.


Over the last four and a half years my priority has always been supporting you, the engines not just of growth, but of our communities too.


It’s why, when we secured investment for regeneration in Burnley, a key component was working with businesses and others. Because there is no public sector investment, without private sector growth.


While there have been tough moments along the way, including in areas like corporation tax, there is much the last government, and my own party, can look on proudly.


Measures like freeports, trade agreements with fast growing economies, full expensing and boosts to apprenticeships. We have shown where our priorities lie. Supporting business as you invest and grow, at home and abroad.


The economy we left is strong and growing. Fastest growth in the G7, unemployment at near record lows, the


deficit falling, inflation, and consumer and business confidence both increasing.


From a future growth perspective, we had laid strong groundwork too. As a member of the business and trade committee I saw first-hand the free trade deals we were negotiating and signing, and the opportunities that can flow from these.


And that leads me on to what we need from this new government. Whilst many trade deals have been signed, there are many more still on the horizon.


We need to see progress happening at pace on agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the USA – yes, it is still possible, I was there just a few months ago – and other countries across the globe.


Powers should be devolved to local leaders and businesses, with simple frame-works and structures, so that both responsibility and accountability for growth, skills, and infrastructure, is carried closer to those it impacts.


Investment needs to be made in areas where a government focus can turbocharge private sector innovation and expansion. So, it isn’t a competition of public vs private, but a supportive hand that comes away at the right time too.


And government must always remember that wealth generators and business owners are not a cash cow to be tapped, but a resource to be nurtured and supported.


LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK


storage and tasting of whisky with a special area reserved for testing the maturing casks.


Phil Simpson, managing director, said: “We’ve invested a seven-figure sum to create this new venture for the Lancaster Spirits Company. We first started planning a whisky business during the Covid shutdown and it has taken a few years to realise our dreams.


“A real Lancastrian team effort – our sister company, Lancaster Brewery, will brew a special wash, specifically for the whisky distillery. Lancaster Spirits Co. then takes over with the distilling, maturing and bottling of the whisky. Milling, brewing, fermenting, distilling and maturing – all in one place.”


The company has employed Christopher Pateman who will oversee the commercial aspects of the distillery. Christopher is highly accomplished within the whisky industry, with 13 years’ experience gained across a number of roles.


Steve Brennan Co-founder & CEO


@Bespoke_HQ bespokedigitalagency


STEP BACK, SQUINT, AND


SEE CLEARLY I’m just back from a fabulous week in Budapest.


I wasn’t sure about the trip having read about the high temperatures and humidity.


Growing up in Preston doesn’t really equip you for outdoor breakfasts at 30 degrees. Or at least it didn’t on my estate.


But we gradually adapted, and after a few days, were going about life with a different rhythm: taking breaks throughout the day, stopping for salads in the city squares, gentle walks by the Danube. It just wasn’t possible to do anything at pace.


We particularly loved the thermal baths. Beautiful, ornate buildings with a mixture of communal pools and saunas at different temperatures, indoors and out. An invigorating way to spend a morning (and cooler in the hot pools than outdoors!).


So what did I learn?


It was more a reminder, actually, of the importance of stepping back and regaining perspective.


Being forced to slow down so much meant that when I returned, I could immediately see clearly that only 3 things are needed for 2025 to be our most successful year. All things that can start immediately, so that we’re ahead.


It was like seeing the business whilst squinting – only the key elements stood out.


We hear this sort of thing when people visit for our digital strategy workshops – “it becomes clear when we look at it from a distance”, “it made us focus on the big picture”, “we should do this more”, and so on.


So a wonderful break, a proper rest and recharge, and a sense of real clarity to take through the remainder of the year.


I think this is what they call a win-win!


For further information call Steve Brennan Tel: 01772 591100


www.bespokedigital.agency


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IN VIEW


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