Manchester gin brand hopeful after Dragons’ Den success

Didsbury Gin has formed a partnership with Jenny Campbell in a £75,000 deal.

The Manchester-based gin company, Didsbury Gin, was founded in 2017 by Mark Smallwood and Liam Manton. Only a year later, they appeared on Dragons’ Den, hoping to raise enough money to grow their business.

Jenny Campbell, gin fan and entrepreneur, saw something in the duo and offered the young company £75,000 for 33.3% of the business.

Ms Campbell told the Manchester Evening News: “Didsbury Gin is all about Mark and Liam. They instantly drew me in with their charm and I thought this could work. I also went to school in Didsbury so I thought that was a good omen!

“They knew their product and the numbers behind the business, they stood their ground when my fellow Dragons attacked, and most importantly I liked them. I think gin drinkers across the UK will too. They have a great brand which will be taking on the classic names by the end of the year. Watch this space.”

Didsbury Gin was founded by best friends and gin lovers Smallwood and Manton, after they were both made redundant within a short while of each other. According to the duo, “the only answer was gin”.

Didsbury Gin’s Christmas Pudding Gin Liqueur was named one of the drinks business‘ top new products of December, making this a brand to watch in 2019.