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WSTA boosts support for UK distillers
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has voiced its support for a newly established trade body set up to promote the interests of Britain’s growing craft spirits industry.
The WSTA has said it will support the BDA in order to better support the UK’s growing number of craft distillers
The British Distillers Alliance (BDA) was formed by by Alan Powell, a specialist independent excise duties consultant, with the intention of supporting British distillers and other artisanal spirits producers.
“Post Brexit the industry finds itself in a time of uncertainty and understandably the smaller producers want advice, support and protection”, said the WSTA in statement endorsing the trade body.
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New trade body for craft distillers launched
“Craft distilling is booming and exports of UK spirits are at an all-time high. A total of 1.25bn litres of spirits were exported from the UK in 2015 bringing in £5bn to the economy. We are determined not to lose this momentum and ensure that Brexit doesn’t stop the flow of trade.”
“The WSTA is lending its support to the British Distillers’ Alliance (BDA) which is aimed at start-up and small businesses in an effort to ensure that no-one gets left behind in these uncertain times.”
The WSTA has said it will work with the BDA to provide support and direction to help small distillers focus on compliance at the early stages of their business, particularly when acquiring their business licence, to ensure on-going awareness of their obligations.
“The BDA was set up to help small and start-up distillers and associated businesses navigate the maze of regulatory requirements which can be intimidating”, said Alan Powell, BDA founder and co-ordinator. “Potential businesses often need initial clear guidance and then close assistance whilst establishing themselves. We are extremely pleased that the WSTA have agreed to support our alliance. By working together we hope to strengthen and grow our great British spirits industry.”
The WSTA is also seeking to discuss with the government what it calls the “crippling duty regime” imposed upon small distillers, which results in micro and start-up businesses losing up to 40% of their turnover in duty payments.
“We look forward to supporting the BDA and to offering its members the opportunity to have their voice heard during this time of uncertainty”, added Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA.
“The WSTA have the experience and skills to work with government to achieve the best results for its members and the wider industry. It is crucial that the new government supports our thriving industry, allows it to continue to prosper and understands the contribution – and the potential – of the British spirits industry to the UK economy.”
Any members of the trade that would like support with spirits regulation or customs issues from the BDA should email alan@apas1.orangehome.co.uk