A brewery in Windsor is looking to take on a new venue in Berkshire - and it's hoping for the public's help after a promising start to a fundraising campaign.
The Windsor & Eton Brewery had hoped to raise £200,000 from private and existing investors - and managed to reach £215,000 in less than 24 hours.
Now the brewery - which runs four sites around Windsor and Eton - is opening up the investment opportunity to the public.
The business is looking to channel the investment into increased brewing capacity for its drinks range, which includes Guardsman Bitter, Knight of the Garter Golden Ale, and Republika Pilsner Lager.
And also in the brewery's sights is a new pub or bar in the area.
Chairman and co-founder Will Calvert said a new site along the River Thames would be ideal - dependent on funds raised.
He said: "We love the patch - we love the areas around the River Thames, we love the nice towns north and south to us.
"It's about making sure that a site isn't next door to pubs we have. And making sure we know the area and we can run the site well.
The brewery currently runs its own Unit 4 tap room onsite on the Vansittart Estate, Windsor, as well as its flagship pub The George in Eton, the 18th century pub The Swan in Clewer, and the bar at the Old Court arts centre in Windsor.
Chairman Will said he was 'delighted' with the response from existing and new investors, amid a challenging market.
He said: "The craft brewing bubble has burst compared to what it was ten years ago. Companies like Fullers and Youngs are hovering up all the good sites.
"In our own craft beer sector, continued rate relief is vital. Small businesses carry so much tax burden. We're expecting business rates to hit us again."
He added: "Fourteen years after we brought craft brewing back to the heart of this historic brewing town, we are so pleased that our supporters remain as excited about our plans as we are.”
In return for their investment, those who stump up some cash for the brewery's expansion will receive rewards as well as shares.
Managing Director, Jon Radford said the business was 'very conscious' that the economy was tough for many people at present.
He added: "That’s why some of our rewards include money that can be spent in our taproom and bars. It means that people can enjoy immediate benefits of becoming a Windsor & Eton Brewery shareholder”.
The fundraising is the Windsor & Eton Brewery's second equity crowd fund on the online platform Seedrs.
The business is offering up to 2.17 percent equity, giving a pre-money valuation of £9m.
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