
We're all a bit fatigued after a full year of the Pandemic. There's been so much bad news everywhere we turn.
The team here at Drogheda Chamber have supported and celebrated the resilience, creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs over the last year. And now it's time to celebrate those that have been nimble in adapting to the changing situation. Those that have pivoted. That have used the lockdowns as opportunities to future fit and develop their businesses further.
Over the coming weeks we will interview some of these businesses and share some of the positivity and good news that we see.
This week we are talking with Bronagh Conlon - from Listoke Distillery.
Tell us about your pre pandemic Business status
BC: Listoke distillery built the first gin school in Ireland. This was to complement our award winning range of gins. We won Best European gin 2018, and two gin Masters as well as best Irish Gin and many other awards.
Our range includes our Listoke 1777, Cacao & Raspberry and Sloe Gin with Irish honey. We were also distilling under private label for a number of companies including hotels and restaurants.
What was the initial impact on your business & how did you react?
BC: I was heading up a tour of Food Writers in the Boyne Valley (I’m Chairperson of Boyne Valley Flavours) on Thursday 12th March when we all thought something was going to happen. On that day I made up some hand sanitiser as we were going to visit farms and eateries and on and off a bus.
The next day, I realised we needed to do something and I contacted the Revenue office to get permission to produce sanitiser.
We were the first company in Ireland to change over to sanitiser production and we are still doing it.
What changes did you make in order to cope or pivot / and to adapt to the situation?
BC: The key thing was the pivot to producing sanitiser. Going on line with thr sanitiser and then later with our gin (and whiskey – just launched this year. )
What supports, grants, aids helped the most?
BC: Great support came from the other members of the Boyne Valley group – many of whom were so much worse off then us.
We worked with the LEO and have been applying for grant aid through them to help fund expansion through bottling line etc.
We also are members of Origin Green which was helpful. And of course, both Drogheda Chamber and Tapit!
How are you feeling about business as we begin to plan to emerge from the lockdowns, and as vaccinations roll out?
BC: We haven’t been able to open our gin school in 15 months and this has had a very negative effect on our income. We are re-igniting our gin and whiskey business with exports starting in China and further expansion into the US and Russia. To fund this we are running a raffle for a 5% share of our business.
Finally … What's your top piece of advice for other businesses?
BC: No1..Breath...
Also - Avoid business partners if at all possible;-)
Most importantly - Believe in yourself!
you'd like to be featured in this series - We'd love to hear from you @Drogheda & District Chamber.