MAS helps cider entrepreneurs press on to fulfil dream

10th Apr 2008

For Somerset-based entrepreneurs, Andrew Quinlan and Neil Macdonald, the chance to fulfil the dream of turning their hobby into a profitable business has become reality following support from the South West MAS.

Founded in 2005, Orchard Pig began its life producing cider on a small enough scale to supply to local outlets. Andrew and Neil soon realised, however, that there was potential to turn their love of cider making into a thriving business especially given the recent growth in the drinks market.

Following a referral from chutney, sauces and preserves producers The Bay Tree Food Company, Andrew contacted the MAS to work out how their hobby could be turned into a refined business proposition, the steps to formalising a solid business plan as well as take a strategic look at how they could exploit further channels available for the sale of apple-based products.

MAS specialist, Neil Osment, recommended that Orchard Pig take up the Strategic Management Programme (SMP), which would help them to identify operational challenges and possible growth opportunities of strengthening, or diversify, their product range and offering.

Neil Osment said: “Our aim was to work with Orchard Pig and ensure they were not reliant on one channel only, getting the team to understand that several manageable routes to market were possible. In turn, this would give them a good blend of turnover and profitability which was vital for the on-going investment they desired.

“Secondly, it was necessary to create a robust business plan that would encourage investment approval for funding a new manufacturing facility to cater for bottling and pressing, and ensure an ambitious growth plan.”

By signing up to the SMP, senior management and investors were able to get behind one shared vision of the development for the business, with the new bottling and pressing facility acting as a specific goal to make the venture of Orchard Pig scalable and sustainable.

Andrew Quinlan said: “The strategic review of our business by MAS has proved extremely helpful in focusing our thoughts. With the specialists support, we have been able to look at business possibilities objectively and choose the best routes for sales growth. We are currently producing over 140,000 litres of premium ciders and pure apple juices which are being channeled through three distinct sales routes as identified with MAS specialists.

“By embarking on the SMP with MAS support, we were provided with the ammunition in terms of strategic planning to secure vital financial support. Our turnover is currently £25k, but we are now on course to reach £140k by the end of this year.”

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