Brothers pursue lifelong dream following support from Business Gateway

About the business

Launched in November 2020 by brothers Ronnie and Kenny Lees, Outlandish Brewing Company launched its first range of Scottish craft beers in December. The core range includes an Amber Ale, Session Ale and IPA, which the pair have already secured listings for in six independent outlets across Lanarkshire and Stirling.

How Business Gateway has helped

Following a suite of Business Gateway start up support services and a £40,000 investment of personal funding, the brothers secured second hand brewing equipment and renovated an old cow shed to create the fully functioning micro-brewery.

As well as support from their local adviser with a business plan and developing financial projections for the next three years, Outlandish Brewing Company was accepted onto the SMART Accelerator™ programme delivered through Business Gateway. Since then, Ronnie and Kenny have accessed a variety of online sessions on key topics, including marketing, digital, sales strategies and business planning.

Ronnie Lees, Co-Founder, Outlandish Brewing Company, commented: “It is great to have someone believe in your business, especially when it’s a professional. Our adviser Keith has boosted our confidence and encouraged a great level of momentum to drive our business forward in 2021.”

Keith Elrick, Business Adviser at Business Gateway, commented: “Since joining the SMART Accelerator programme delivered through Business Gateway, the team at Outlandish Brewing Company have taken full advantage of a range of the resources we have available for start-ups, including a tailored package of support that helped the dynamic duo focus on key areas to get their business up and running smoothly.”