Small Business Setup & Growth Plan
Scaling Growth for a Scottish Gin Distillery
The Challenge
A gin distillery in the Scottish Borders had operated successfully for five years, building a strong reputation locally. However, the business was ready to scale and set an ambitious target of 40% growth in two years. The key challenge was expanding beyond Scotland and establishing a presence across the UK, competing in a crowded and competitive market.
Our Approach
We began with an in-depth diagnostic to assess the current state of the business. This covered financial reporting, sales, marketing, branding, operations, and long-term strategic goals. The review highlighted several areas where improvements would strengthen the company’s health and readiness to scale nationally.
From there, we developed a comprehensive strategic plan with a phased approach to launching the product range across the UK. This included:
Leveraging our networks and associates to shape the route-to-market strategy
Refreshing the company’s marketing and brand identity, working with design partners to create a new proposal tailored to the client’s needs
Running workshops and mentoring sessions with leadership and staff to boost confidence, strengthen alignment, and build internal engagement
Encouraging a focus on both external relationships (suppliers, distributors, partners) and internal engagement (staff motivation and retention)
The Impact
The transformation was significant:
A successful nationwide product launch with refreshed branding and a targeted marketing campaign
£33,000 saved in the first quarter post-launch through operational improvements
Sales increased by more than 30% within six months
Improved online presence and brand visibility
100% operational uptime in the distilling process
Stronger employee engagement, confidence, and productivity across the business
The Outcome
The distillery successfully evolved from a local operation into a national player with a forward-thinking, growth-focused strategy. By combining strategic planning, marketing refresh, leadership development, and operational improvements, the business not only scaled effectively but also built the resilience needed for long-term success.