Otter Brewery

The McCaig family brewery has been producing some of the Westcountry’s favourite ales for over two decades. Otter Brewery was set up in 1990 when David McCaig spotted a gap in the market for a Westcountry brewery that supplied quality local cask ales.

Part of Otter Brewery’s success can be attributed to sensible business management and planning, for which Patrick McCaig (fifth generation brewer) and son of David McCaig, and his family chose to seek professional support as the business grew. They decided to look for an external resource to provide advice and financial help, choosing to appoint Simpkins Edwards after a period of research.

Partner at Simpkins Edwards, Adrian Hemmings, and his team now support the brewery with a range of services encompassing wider business consultancy services beyond accounting.

“We took Adrian as part of the team; an extension to our board of directors,” said Patrick. “His team has a wealth and experience in guiding small businesses through periods of growth as well as periods of consolidation and we can always rely on them to give us sound advice. They are also proactive in looking for new ways in which we can become more profitable, whether its through tax savings or restructuring an aspect of our business to make it more efficient.”

Despite the tough economic climate, Patrick remains confident that with the right advice and strategic planning, Otter Brewery will continue to prosper. He believes that the market for regional breweries is growing due to the premium end of the national and international markets dropping away, leaving space to be filled by quality products from regional producers. The future certainly looks bright for Otter Brewery well into its sixth generation and beyond.