Business Gateway support is just the tonic for Ellis Gin  

About the business

Launched in October 2018, Ellis Gin offers an exclusive range of premium gins and ready to drink cocktails that delight adventurous palates and gin connoisseurs alike. The range, comprised of four premium gins, two of them colour-changing, aims to bring a bit of fun to the gin market with its vibrant and colourful collection. Mixed with carefully selected botanicals, Ellis Gins can also be used to create elegant cocktails. 

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway Lanarkshire helped distil success for Ellis Gin through key strategy and marketing expertise. During lockdown, business owner Carol Jackson built an e-commerce site, developed a series of gin tastings that were delivered via Zoom and launched the most recent spirit, Ellis No.5 ‘Lemon Gin.’ 

Following the success of the virtual events, Business Gateway supported with planning and forecasting for the next four to five years. This involved working with a marketing expert and gave Carol the confidence to plan an expansion.

Carol, owner of Ellis Gin, said: “Our local adviser John helped to clarify our long-term objectives and provided us with 1:1 business advice and support. He opened my eyes to business development opportunities, which gave us the confidence and knowledge to strategise our plans for further growth. I’m looking forward to working with Business Gateway as we continue to develop and grow Ellis Gin.”  

Carol is confident the business management skills learned via the 1:1 business and marketing support will increase turnover and create additional employment.

John McAndrew, Business Gateway adviser, said: “While the ongoing circumstances are not what anyone could have predicted, it has been brilliant to see how Carol and her team have adapted by launching a series of virtual gin events. After two years of hard work and dedication, plus the support we were able to provide, Ellis Gin has built a solid platform in which to expand in the business. I look forward to watching Ellis Gin grow from strength to strength in the future.” 

As well as being recognised for her drive and determination during the pandemic, Carol donated 10% of the profits raised from the Ellis No.5 crowdfunding campaign to the NHS Charities Together, whilst also helping local charities fundraise through virtual gin tastings. 

What’s next?

Carol also accessed Business Gateway’s free market research reports which helped understand the brand’s target consumer, as the business prepares for future growth.  She is continuing to work closely with the service to grow brand presence and increase sales, while focusing on her next phase of this ambitious business - to relocate to new, larger premises.