Ellers Farm Distillery puts sustainability and ethical practices at the heart of what they do. Since opening in September 2020, they have grown steadily and in 2022 began producing a range of small batch spirits and vodka.
Based on an old North Yorkshire farmstead, Ellers Farm Distillery includes a barn-based distillery and an orchard to sustain vodka making.
Opening in the pandemic placed extra pressure on their ambitious plans to focus on people, planet and profit. With a world renowned distiller and head of sustainability in place, it was vital they found a like-minded funder to support them in acquiring and installing the equipment they needed.
Ellers Farm Distillery spoke to several organisations but were particularly impressed with Close Brothers. We showed an understanding of their ethos and commitments to the environment, as well as governance and funding costs. Our industry specialists developed a finance solution that funded their new distillery plant, consisting of stills, bottling and fermentation equipment, a boiler and a water treatment plant. Today, they are successfully supplying supermarkets, high-end restaurants, and directly to the consumer.
"As we're an ethical business that's doing things a little bit differently, patience is key. Close Brothers were brilliant to work with. We put our partners and suppliers under scrutiny to check that they meet our values, and we're confident we chose the right funder."
Andy Braithwaite, Managing Director
Ellers Farm Distillery