Business Leaders Seek Start Up Drinks Brands

A new national business accelerator competition has launched with a promise to help start up drinks brands grow their business.

In Drinks Catalyst is now open for entries and welcomes drinks producers with less than three years trading to compete for a year's supply of business advice, networking and introductions.

The programme has been created as part of In Drinks, the new national trade show for the drinks sector which takes place in Glasgow on 8 & 9th March 2023. Over 60 exhibitors have already signed up for the show which will welcome buyers and suppliers from across the UK. Finalists in the programme will receive a free stand at the show worth over £500.

Adam Hardie, Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael is a founding sponsor of the programme and joins the judging panel. He commented;

"Johnston Carmichael is passionate about the food & drink industry and particularly engaged with early stage drinks producers, providing advice on accountancy and tax matters and business growth. We are delighted to be a founding partner of In Drinks Catalyst and with this programme, want to identify and help scale the most exciting drinks brands across the UK and help take them to the next level.”

The programme is also supported by Morton Fraser Lawyers and Contagious, experts in the design and delivery of drinks brands.

Andrew Walker, Partner in Morton Fraser's Corporate team said:

"The drinks sector in this country has a global reputation unmatched for quality, craft and innovation. Its produce is the lifeblood of our culture as well as making a phenomenal contribution to our economy. Our support for the inaugural InDrinks Catalyst awards is driven by our belief that there are inspirational, fresh-thinking entrepreneurs out there ready to be part of the sector's story and to grasp the opportunity to take their business to the next level."

The judging panel includes Paul Miller, founder of Eden Mill and Annabel Thomas, founder and CEO of Nc’Nean Scotch Whisky distillery. Entrants are required to submit a short written entry and deliver packaging and samples by the 25 January 2023. Further information can be found here.