An award-winning microbrewery has expanded its operations internationally thanks to help from Welsh Government’s support service, Business Wales.
Tiny Rebel Brewing Company Ltd began as a hobby for owners Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams only four years ago, brewing beer in bottles and kegs in Bradley’s garage. But the business has taken off and is now exporting to eight different countries world-wide including Australia; Denmark; Italy, Ireland; Norway; Poland, Spain and Sweden.
It now employs 35 staff from its premises in Newport and is the only microbrewery in the city. Tiny Rebel’s founders have also won a clutch of awards, including Champion Brewer of Wales at the Great Welsh Beer Festival Awards and the Institute of Welsh Affairs Award for Business Achiever.
Tiny Rebel is now a well-established name within the industry, and its expansion into foreign markets has been aided by Business Wales, the Welsh Governments’ business support service.
Over the past two years, the two entrepreneurs have accessed and utilised most strands of the Business Wales offering, including tendering support, food sector mentoring, and more recently, bespoke export advice.
Mr Cummings said: “Both Gareth and I have been significantly impressed by the professional conduct, determination to help and the personal approach of Business Wales.
“Without the constant support and advice that was provided, we would not have been able to expand into the international markets, and grow the business in the various ways that we currently have.
“This was a hobby that began in my own garage at home, and now we have not only grown into a well-established brewery, but also scooped a number of prestigious awards, and we are now exporting globally. It’s a dream come true for us.
“As a business, we take immense pride in the fact that we have set our beer apart from others in the market place, and are looking to target the 20 and 30-something demographic. We believe this is why our product has been so well received within the international markets.”
The business recorded a turnover of more than £150,000 to the year ending February 2013, but that is expected to increase significantly when its next set of figures are released, with sales increasing 240% over the course of the current financial year.
Tiny Rebel has a product portfolio of eight different beers, which are targeted at a younger demographic with branding and packaging to match, and can be found in selected bars and specialist retail stores across the globe.
Last year, the brand also diversified into the publican market when the duo opened the Urban Tap House bar in Westgate Street, Cardiff.
Mr Cummings adds: “We are looking forward to what 2014 will now hold in store for Tiny Rebel.
“For anyone who is looking to set up in business, I cannot stress enough how invaluable the advice and support that we received from Business Wales was, and still is today, to our business development.”
To find out more about how Business Wales may be able to help your business visit www.business.wales.gov.uk.