Regional beer distributor with cold storage

Pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, bottle shops and independent retailers that want one supplier and one invoice for a wide range of beers.

Margin on every case or cask sold, plus regular repeat orders. Offering a wider range and reliable delivery lets you serve more venues and negotiate better prices from brewers.

• Managing suppliers and negotiating terms
• Cash flow and credit control
• Warehouse and stock organisation
• Hiring and managing a small team

• AWRS registration with HMRC, and whether you need to hold stock under duty suspension, which has extra requirements, check with HMRC
• Any premises licensing or planning use rules for your unit, check with your local council
• Employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus stock, public liability and motor insurance
• Cash tied up in stock and customers paying late, so plan your cash flow carefully
• Beer has a shelf life, so poor stock rotation can mean waste
• Rules for drivers and vehicles if you move to larger delivery vans

Startup costs are typically around £30,000 to £120,000, depending on the warehouse unit, stock, vehicles and any staff. These are estimates, so plan carefully for the cash that will be tied up in stock.

Check AWRS registration with HMRC, and whether you need to hold stock under duty suspension, which has extra requirements. Also check premises licensing or planning use rules with your local council, and the rules for drivers and vehicles if you move to larger vans.

Monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on how many venues you supply and the range you stock. Customers paying late can strain cash flow, and poor stock rotation can mean waste.