Billson’s Beverages - Voluntary Administration

Billson’s Beverages, a Beechwood-based craft brewery and maker of ready-to-drink vodka beverages, entered voluntary administration on 31 July.

The brewery was established in 1865 and recently experienced significant growth under the ownership of Nathan and Felicity Cowan, who have been running the business since 2017. Unfortunately, that growth masked several mistakes made along the way, according to Mr Cowan, who said the company’s systems and processes failed to keep up.

Mr Cowan also cited the headwinds facing the drinks sector, including cost of living pressures, rising costs and the third highest spirit tax in the world, as contributing to the company’s downfall.

Rob Smith and Matthew Hutton of McGrathNicol were appointed voluntary administrators.

The company had reportedly already significantly reduced its workforce, leaving approximately 100 employees remaining when the administrators were appointed. A further 30 employees were then made redundant and 20 casual workers were also let go.

The administrators are seeking to sell the business.