CASE STUDY
Business : Downton Distillery Location : Downton , Near Salisbury Founded : 2018 No of employees : 1
The pandemic has shown how important local community is , with companies and locals supporting each other
Downton Distillery is the home of Explorer ’ s Gin , a handcrafted London-dry gin made in the heart of Wiltshire .
Pivot Power
Running a distillery allowed me to pivot at the start of the pandemic . Watching the news knowing it was only a matter of time until we started to see cases in the UK , the British Distillers Alliance started to lobby HMRC to remove alcohol tax on making hand sanitiser . At the end of March 2020 this tax was removed allowing us to deliver our first 500L of hand sanitiser to both frontline services and care homes . We continue to supply to both care homes and local schools .
New routes to market
Without access to markets and larger events , our route to customers had to be word of mouth and through customer experiences . This led us to creating a series of gin evenings . The aim was to create something fun , where people could learn and interact with others . We all know the impact that lockdown has had on individuals . Both new and current customers could learn about the brand and what makes our gin unique whilst learning a fun skill - how to make a series of cocktails with everyday ingredients . These evenings continue to be a great success . I do not know of many bars where you can get five quality cocktails for £ 35 !
The importance of community and collaboration
The pandemic has shown how important local community is , with companies and locals supporting each other . During the first national lockdown we ran a series of hand sanitiser points around the villages of Salisbury , where customers could put an order in for a bottle of Explorer ’ s Gin .
We also worked closely with Downton Brewery , allowing customers to refill and reuse their bottles whilst saving 20 %. In partnership with Regent Tailoring in Salisbury , we ran a click & collect service . Customers could pick up their bottles whilst browsing the latest clothes within the shop .
Building strength through adversity
During the first lockdown we were recognised by the UK Spirits Alliance for our work . We also became one of Theo Paphitis ’ s # SBS Small Business Sunday winners .
Growth Hub Support
A desire for knowledge led me to the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub . I was keen to learn from other businesses and see how the hub could help the distillery grow as a business . It just so happened that the pandemic broke out at the same time .
The Hub has been a very useful tool to both network and learn through . The support and spectrum of webinars that I have attended have been very impressive . Whilst some issues and challenges have been particular to my sector the advice and guidance has been excellent .
Looking to the future
With the vaccine rollout and restrictions being eased I am feeling very optimistic as I look forward to meeting both new and current customers at events and markets . Nothing makes me happier than meeting new customers who fall in love with the Downton Distillery brand .