In this week's episode we speak to Russell Bisset, founder of Northern Monk brewery. Russell explains to us the key role his Grandmother played in launching the business, the importance of collaboration in business, particularly in the early days and the different challenges that direct to customer, off-trade and on-trade bring. He also shares with us his ‘Apprentice Challenge’ solution to big business problems. And he explains how a focused brand positioning can help your business to thrive. INTRODUCING RUSSELL BISSET Russell Bisset is the Founder and Managing Director of the Northern Monk Brewery in Leeds. After an early career in chemicals, In 2008, he entered a young entrepreneurs competition with an idea: Northern Monk. But it would still take a few years to really get going. The idea was given life in 2013 when Granny Bisset sold her house and downsized, gifting £5K to all of her grandchildren with the proceeds. After meeting head brewer Brian Dickson at a beer festival they realised they had a shared dream of a proper northern brewery. The pair brewed small amounts of beer in a damp cellar in Bradford, using other breweries’ kits, and sold their beers at local farmers markets. After three months of selling IPAs between gazebos laden with cheese and handmade soaps, they attracted an initial investment. In 2014, Northern Monk was truly born. their own brewery was set up in a Grade II listed abandoned building in Leeds. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:04:00] Where the idea for Northern Monk came from [00:07:30] The initial launch of the idea and cuckoo brewing’ [00:10:00] The importance of drinking experience and collaborations in early marketing [00:14:00] Initial funding and subsequent investors [00:17:30] The increase in the brand range and the successes and learnings [00:21:00] The benefits and challenges of expanding into a venue and events [00:24:30] The first steps into retail sales and the issues it brings [00:28:00] Covid and the challenges and opportunities it brought [00:33:30] Post-Covid challenges [00:39:30] How to distill and project your brand essence KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS It takes a village to raise a child - make sure you networkCollaborations are highly recommended Focus in business is very important - don’t lose itReflect on why you started your business and your values BEST MOMENTS “We said we’d pay our graphic design agency when we hit £2m turnover. They were pleasantly surprised when we did. It was a proud moment when we started repaying them.” “The first steps into retail were through Mark’s & Spencer’s (obviously a Leeds company” “I told the team to look at Covid as an Apprentice challenge” “We stayed open as we were viewed as an ‘essential supplier’ during Covid” VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOU Website: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com Website: https://www.northernmonk.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-bisset-2b935419 Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/russellbisset Instagram (business): https://www.instagram.com/northernmonk Twitter (personal): https://www.x.com/NMBCoRuss Twitter (business): https://www.x.com/NMBCo Shout out tags: https://www.bundobust.com https://www.hellohouseoffu.com Want to watch instead of listen? Subscribe to our You Tube channel; https://youtube.com/@LeedsBusinessPodcast. DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’ My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE. Your half of the deal has two simple steps; 1) Share this episode with just ONE person who you think will get value from...