The Small Brewers Duty Reform Coalition gathers pace with respected consultancy Europe Economics chosen to undertake an independent review, following a rigorous tender process. An online survey will be launched shortly allowing all brewers the opportunity to take part in the review. Key industry stakeholders such as SIBA and CAMRA are also being consulted.
The coalition is now more than 60 breweries strong, with new members including Portobello Brewery, the Edinburgh Beer Factory, Dartmoor Brewery, Kirkstall Brewery, Wimbledon Brewery and Pilgrim Brewery, whose founder Dave Roberts was one of the architects behind the original SBR scheme.
Other small brewers are encouraged to contact the Co-Chairs if they are interested in joining.
Mark Gordon, Founder of Wimbledon Brewery and the latest joiner commented: “As a brewery with strong export ambitions, we welcome the Independent Review and hope it will help remove some of the obstacles to growth that the current system presents.”
Rupert Thompson, Co-Chair of the Reform coalition said: ‘We are delighted to secure Europe Economics to undertake this much-needed independent review which will be concluded by September in time for further discussion between key stakeholders ahead of the Autumn Budget.’
Collin Wood, Co-chair of the Reform added: “With a record number of new breweries opening in 2016, it is crucial that Small Brewer Relief is fit for purpose for the future sustainability of the small brewer sector and we hope this independent review will deliver options to build on the success of SBR and improve the current structure to ensure this is indeed the case.”