Overview: Shawbrook has extended an £11 million inventory-backed Asset Based Lending facility to Glasgow Distillery Company to refinance existing funding and unlock additional working capital. This financial support enables the distillery’s continued investment in production and expansion of its premium whisky portfolio, including the Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The transaction aligns with the long-term nature of whisky maturation while enabling future growth.
The Full Story
Shawbrook structured a specialist inventory-backed Asset Based Lending facility secured against eligible maturing Scotch whisky inventory. The funding refinances the company’s previous arrangements while creating additional headroom to support ongoing investment and future growth. Mike Hayward, co-founder at Glasgow Distillery Company, emphasized that substantial value is generated well before any bottle arrives on the shelf.
The transaction was introduced by Noble & Company with legal support from Addleshaw Goddard. Jeremy Bolton, senior director, asset based lending at Shawbrook, noted that Glasgow Distillery Company has established a distinctive position within Scotland’s premium spirits sector. By taking the time to understand both the business and the value of its maturing whisky inventory, we were able to structure a funding solution that provides flexibility today while supporting its long-term growth strategy.
Founded in 2012, the enterprise aimed to reintroduce single malt whisky production to Glasgow following a hiatus of more than a hundred years. The business has established an award-winning portfolio including Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Makar Gin and Banditti Club Rum. As the business continued to invest in production and expand its premium whisky portfolio, it required a funding structure aligned to the long-term nature of whisky maturation.
Brand & Industry History
Established in 2012, the company was founded with the mission to bring single malt whisky distilling back to Glasgow for the first time in over a century. The business has established an award-winning portfolio including Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Makar Gin and Banditti Club Rum.
What This Means
As the business continued to invest in production and expand its premium whisky portfolio, it required a funding structure aligned to the long-term nature of whisky maturation. Shawbrook understood the business model and characteristics of whisky maturation, structuring a facility that unlocks working capital and enables investment in production, expand inventory and continue delivering exceptional spirits to customers around the world.
Consumer Takeaway
The funding enables the distillery to invest in production and expand its inventory while continuing to deliver exceptional spirits to customers around the world. This financial structure supports the long-term growth strategy of the company within Scotland’s premium spirits sector.
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