Starting up a brewery

[JayMc]

I have been assigned a college project to (theoretically) start up a business and of course there is only one business I am interested in and that's a brewery.

My task involves writing a comprehensive business plan including market research, cashflow projections, the capital investment required and other relevant information.

I've read the mega thread on Beoir and attempted to navigate the revenue.ie website looking for the cost of relevant licences. From what I see, I would need to get a "Manufacturer's Licence - Brewer". I see Nigel_C posted in the following thread about some of the issues involved. (http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/index.php/topic,6102.msg77189.html#msg77189)

"Could include everything from tax / duty and links to all the relavent info.
Equipment costings. Fermenters kettles etc.
H&S legislation and requirements.
Premises requirement . Drainage, water etc.
Waste.
Consumables."

I am mainly interested in licencing costs and legislation for the moment. I must keep the business plan as accurate as possible. Any help you can give regarding pricing, EHO or HSE regulations would be greatly appreciated.

NOTE: This is for a college project and I am not actually setting up a brewery. For those interested, my end goal is to bring a sweeter style american pale ale to the market.

[Bubbles]

For those interested, my end goal is to bring a sweeter style american pale ale to the market.

Oh jesus, not another mediocre pale ale..?

Just kidding OP. Best of luck with your project.

Have you tried approaching a helpful commercial brewer to give you some guidance?

[nigel_c]

As far as I know there is a helpful doc being drawn up by board bia. Andrew mentioned it a while back. He may have more info now.

[nigel_c]

Or you could ask Bren. I hear he turned pro recently . 

Haha only messing Bren.

[Donnacha]

As far as I know there is a helpful doc being drawn up by board bia. Andrew mentioned it a while back. He may have more info now.

Do you mean this one? http://www.bordbiadrinks.com/publication3/ - Starting a premium drinks business in Ireland

[JayMc]

Have you tried approaching a helpful commercial brewer to give you some guidance?

That was actually my Plan B

As far as I know there is a helpful doc being drawn up by board bia. Andrew mentioned it a while back. He may have more info now.

Do you mean this one? http://www.bordbiadrinks.com/publication3/ - Starting a premium drinks business in Ireland

Just had a quick flick through this and I think it's exactly the type of information I was looking for.

Thanks a million guys!