Gloucester Brewery pledges to raise £50,000 for local charities

Gloucester Brewery has set its sights on supporting Gloucestershire-based charities and raising more than £50,000 as it continues to hold the local community at the heart of its operation — offering fundraising event spaces free of charge and raising awareness for a variety of good causes.

Already engaged with more than 70 local charities, Gloucester Brewery is looking to broaden its community engagement and use its position as a leading business in the region to promote, support and engage with charitable causes in the surrounding area.

Following a well-received launch event in March, Gloucester Brewery is now committed to hosting free quarterly charity community networking events, with the next being “Charities in a digital world” on 7th July — and hope to exceed the 55 charities from the county that attended the inaugural event.

This focus on community comes following the appointment of highly-experienced Managing Director Geoff Smith at the start of March, whose priorities are to grow the business, diversify its offering and ensure that it gives back to the community in every way possible.

Geoff has an impressive track record of successfully starting new businesses and directing multi-million pound operations, having fronted a range of technology companies across his career.

Alongside his proven commercial mind, he has a passion for strong brand values and will ensure that every business decision not only benefits the brewery, but also the local community, wider area and environment.

With plans to open up to five additional venues over the next three years, the team will be looking to offer these spaces to local charities to host fundraising events and essentially create an ecosystem of like-minded people in the Gloucestershire area — whilst also providing great social hubs to enjoy its award-winning beer.

Alongside its charitable intentions, the brewery is also continuing to reduce its carbon footprint — introducing an all-electric fleet of vans, undertaking an ongoing tree planting campaign, ensuring that its growth area remains within 40 miles of Gloucester, sourcing sustainable products and hosting regular local litter picks — a nod to its sense of identity within the region and wider commitments to limiting carbon emissions.

The community service integral to the brewery's operation and one that has helped many other businesses across the county, is The Growth Hub.

Through continued business guidance and invaluable introductions, the business support network is helping the brewery go from strength to strength, with Business Guide Andy Kime regularly imparting his expert advice and acting as a sounding board for Geoff and the team.

Since working with The Growth Hub, Gloucester Brewery has been introduced to contacts at the University of Gloucester, with a number of hospitality students now gaining real world experience across the brewery’s multiple venues.

Commenting on his time so far as Managing Director, Geoff said: “When I first started at the brewery, the first and most obvious thing that stood out to me was how firmly it was rooted in the local community.

"Right from the off, this became a priority for me and over the past few months we have forged some fantastic relationships with local charities and already hosted some great evening events. Of course, the success and growth of the brewery will always be my key area of focus, however, I believe it is essential for us to give back to the community that fundamentally allows us to do what we do.”

Gloucester Brewery produces an award-winning range of beer, gin and vodka, served in its waterside taproom. It also offers Gloucester's most diverse range of events and entertainment regularly taking place at Warehouse 4, the onsite event space and Tank, a bar located on the Gloucester docks.

The brewery is always looking to stimulate the local economy by sourcing ingredients as close to home as possible and has optimistic plans for future growth.

Geoff continued: “The brewery has been working with The Growth Hub and Andy Kime for quite some time now, and since I have been at the helm, he has been working with us on a consultancy basis — constructively challenging what we are doing through financial analysis and strategy planning.

"What I think makes the Growth Hub’s support so valuable, beyond gaining access to its impressive business connections, is that they offer a unique perspective that is often lost in the busy business world.

"Speaking to someone who can see the business from the outside offers clarity and that’s exactly what the Growth Hub has given us. It has also been a great support for our community outreach efforts.”

The Growth Hub is a one-stop shop for business owners in Gloucestershire, delivering a range of business support solutions. It offers expert-led workshops, modern co-working spaces, online resources, as well as direct support designed to provide business owners with a sustainable plan for the future.

Andy Kime added: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Geoff at the brewery and they are shining example of a well-rooted Gloucestershire business. Not only do they brew great beer, they have a wider consideration for the local community, which is something we always support at The Growth Hub.

"They have truly diversified their business and I have no doubt there are some really exciting things in store for Gloucester Brewery in the near future.”