“The benefits are clear and tangible” – Society of Independent Brewers further expand benefits for brewery members
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have further expanded the range of benefits they offer independent breweries, with a new accountancy and business advisory service launched to compliment the valuable legal advice service members already have access to.
The new accountancy and business advisory service from Johnston Carmichael, an experienced firm in the brewing sector and which already works with many independent breweries, has worked with SIBA and their legal partner Napthens to launch the new service for brewers.
Johnston Carmichael’s food and drink team work with brewers across the UK, on a wide range of services, from payroll, accounting and tax matters, digital transformation, corporate finance and business strategy. The new service promises SIBA members a response within 48 hours and a free one-hour consultation, discussing accountancy or wider business advisory related questions.
“I am delighted to be able to launch the new Accountancy and Business Advisory Service for SIBA Members. When looking at the range of benefits SIBA offers it was clear this was an area in-which we were lacking, yet it’s an area that causes members a significant amount of worry. Access to free, impartial advice from a company who understand the brewing industry is hugely valuable to our members. I also want to make clear that SIBA take no commission or have any commercial involvement in the areas discussed- it’s all about getting members the best advice and access to the best-suited, most cost-effective services and solutions.” Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive.
The not-for-profit trade association have further cemented their place as the voice of independent brewing in the UK since the appointment of Chief Executive Andy Slee in January this year, expanding benefits, offering new services and delivering greater value for members.
“The benefits are clear and tangible, from lobbying, to education, to member discounts and benefits. We believe membership provides excellent value for money and the central SIBA team work extremely hard to ensure this remains the case.” William Mayne, Bullhouse Brew Co, Belfast.
““The legal portal is incredibly useful as is the labelling and packaging information guide. Non-members should consider joining to gain access to so much useful information, and the various member benefits.” John Cussons, Ferry Ales, Lincolnshire.
Another independent brewery member, Anthony Hughes of Lincoln Green Brewery, Nottinghamshire, also praised the Legal Helpline offered by SIBA, “The Napthens Legal advice has been of particular benefit offering support in tricky employment matters – they’re friendly, helpful and best of all free with SIBA membership!”
Government lobbying and giving small independent brewers a voice in Westminster, Holyrood and each of the devolved administrations across the whole of the UK is central to what SIBA do, and is a valuable part of being a member. “The lobbying aspect of SIBA is invaluable to our industry – without SIBA we simply wouldn’t have a voice in Government.” Anthony Hughes of Lincoln Green added.
As well as Governmental, financial, legal and business advice, SIBA also offer members the chance to enter their beer into the SIBA Independent Beer Awards, the winners of which are then showcased at events such as the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards dinner, Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards, and other beer industry events and festivals.
“Regional beer awards are a really important part of our membership as these are a chance to test your product offering against the best in the country. It caters for all beer styles whether draught or packaged. Of course we are aiming for Gold and the chance to enter the National awards but any acknowledgement is seen as real success, and even if we are unsuccessful the feedback we receive are a chance to reassess and motivate us to push a little harder.” Joe Joyce, Harrogate Brewery, North Yorkshire.
As part of their investment in further improving the SIBA Independent Beer Awards and promotion of member breweries via industry events, SIBA recently appointed Pip Young, formerly Ossett/SALT Brewery and The Coven, as their Events & Marketing Officer. Part of her role is also to further develop SIBA Regional Meetings, an important member benefit and networking opportunity for brewers.
“SIBA is a great organisation of like-minded people who all love brewing. Regional meetings are an ideal opportunity to meet and discuss any issues in a relaxed social setting. Join SIBA and get to know your fellow brewers, enter your great beers in regional competitions, and be inspired by others to perfect your brands to win a regional or national SIBA award.” Darren Batten, Palmers Brewery, Dorset.
“Having the ability to chat with other brewing members at regional meetings and competitions, access the various member benefits of SIBA and have one voice
to trade and legislative bodies are just some of the reasons all independent breweries should join SIBA.” Mark Westall, Lancaster Brewery, Lancashire.
SIBA, represents around 750 British independent craft brewers across the UK, with a vision to deliver the future of British beer as the voice of British independent brewing. SIBA also represents 250 supplier businesses – from hop merchants and maltsters, container suppliers and brewery fabricators to business and legal advisors, as well as more recently homebrewers and a number of international breweries too.
For more information about SIBA Membership visit www.siba.co.uk or email membership@siba.co.uk
