Bott, who was featured in The Morning Advertiser’s Big Interview recently, told The MA independent brewers are still finding access to market as one of the toughest challenges.
He continued: “The playing field is still tilted and one day the industry will need to reset those norms. In the meantime, our approach is to carve out our own space and build a proposition strong enough to cruise over the hurdles.
“On the venues side, the latest Budget has wiped out profit and left operators stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“Our Government, led by the Labour Party, is ironically anti-labour in the truest sense. It does not stand up for workers, particularly in hospitality.
“The Budget encourages cutting hours rather than creating jobs and it pushes the price of a pint up for hard-working people instead of celebrating the end of the week with a fair offering. The sector is being squeezed harder than can reasonably be expected.
“I do not believe brewing and hospitality need special treatment to survive. Our industry has thrived through good times and bad. But we do need a Government that recognises that by creating a level environment to trade in, the sector can absolutely thrive.”
‘WTF’ moments
The craft beer brewery is also enjoying some exciting times with its live music collaborations.
Bott said: “Right now, the team are really in their groove and, in true Signature Brew fashion, there’s a steady stream of ‘WTF’ moments happening at our venues.
“On the trade side, our newest core beer Haze Machine has just been awarded a Great Taste star, which means every beer in our core range now carries that mark of quality.
“Nationally, we’re about to launch Roadie in Asda across the country, and Backstage IPA will be pouring in Mitchells & Butlers venues throughout the autumn and winter.
“Our venues are where we walk the walk. The mission has always been to brew beer that makes music better, and that has never felt truer than at our two London music venues.”
Indeed, a few musical highlights include Suede playing at the brewery on 11 September to launch their new album, Decolonised Fest celebrating punks of colour on 6 September and a big Burger Festival hitting the brewery on 13-14 September.
Disciplined business
Earlier this year, Signature Brew restructured the business, which Bott said has created “a platform for fresh investment and growth without the hangover of Covid still holding us back”.
In the short term, the focus is on proving the model Signature has built really works and that means running a sustainable, disciplined business while staying true to its “raw energy” ethos.
Bott added: “We already believe we are the UK’s most exciting craft brewery and the challenge now is to take that excitement and scale it nationally.”
On the future, he explained: “As I’ve said many times before, I’m an optimist, so I feel positive about where we are heading.
“We have built a business and a proposition that will not be blown off course by the winds of change in the industry. We will stay in control of our own destiny, and that is empowering.
“More broadly, I’m optimistic about brewing and hospitality as a whole. There will always be challenges, but this sector has faced down every storm and come through stronger. I see no reason why that will change any time soon.”
