Edinburgh beer subscription service Beer52 cracks open funding

Edinburgh craft beer subscription firm Beer52 has met an “exceptional” increase in demand during lockdown thanks to a funding support package.

Some breweries restarted production just for us, Beer52 says. Picture: contributed.

It comes after the business was unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Beer52 was founded in 2013 by James Brown, who came through Royal Bank of Scotland’s Entrepreneurial Spark Accelerator, and Fraser Doherty. It sources and delivers eight new craft beers to subscribers each month and was earlier this year named the fourth-fastest-growing ecommerce firm in the UK.

It said that lockdown has seen an “unprecedented” surge in customer demand resulting in a “landmark” 200,000 subscribers. The company has since doubled in size, with more than 30 staff added to keep up with demand.

However, financial uncertainties meant Beer52 suppliers were forced to update credit terms, requiring an upfront payment for stock. Beer52 secured funding from RBS, with the lender pledging additional support in the form of a substantial overdraft.

Brown said: “The best thing about it is that we’ve been able to play our part in keeping the supply chain moving. Some breweries restarted production just for us. We couldn’t have done it without the funding.”

Stuart Kenny, senior relationship manager at RBS, said: “It’s great to see that Beer52 is busier than ever. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can tap into next.”

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