Member Article

Institute of Directors brewery visit goes down smoothly

North Wales business leaders were given a tour of one of the region’s leading craft breweries at an Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales event.

The networking session, held at the Wild Horse brewery in Llandudno, also provided attendees with the chance to try experimental beer, which is yet to be released to the public.

Delegates were given behind-the-scenes access to the site, and shown how the brewery’s ales and lagers are handcrafted without a filtration or pasteurisation process.

They also learned the intricate differences between real ale and craft beer, as Wild Horse is exclusively a craft beer brewery.

After the tour, Wild Horse products such as Palomino Pale Ale and Buckskin Blonde were sampled during a tasting and networking session with food provided by local catering firm The Welsh Oven.

The brewery, which opened 17 months ago, has experienced fast growth and now supplies a number of bars and restaurants in North Wales. It also sells its products directly to consumers on site and online.

Wild Horse Brewing Company brewer and founder Dave Faragher said: “The IoD event was a big success with businesses of all sizes coming together at our brewery.

“We received some amazing feedback about our beers, including our small batch Experimental Series brews that are not yet available for sale outside the brewery walls.

“It’s been a whirlwind 17 months since we launched and already have a strong presence across North Wales. We now produce around 1,200 bottles and 35 kegs per week – the equivalent of around 2,500 pints.

“It’s even been sold internationally, with a shop in Belgium stocking Wild Horse beer.”

IoD North Wales chair Helen Watson said: “Our event at the Wild Horse Brewery was a brilliant way to restart our busy calendar of events after the summer.

“We welcomed a range of businesses which made for an effective networking session following the tour.

“Dave’s passion for brewing handcrafted ale is clear and the company is a fantastic example of how small businesses can grow successfully.”

The IoD is the longest-standing organisation to serve and support business leaders, with more than 100 years’ service in raising professional standards.

You don’t need to be a company director to join the IoD. Senior managers are welcome, from large public organisations to small family firms. Members benefit from services including free business advice, a full training programme, research facilities and networking events.

For more information about the IoD visit www.iod.com, or follow it on Twitter @IoD_NorthWales.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .