Entrepreneur toasts success with launch of County Durham micro-distillery

A local entrepreneur has launched a new micro-distillery business with the support of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Scott Wilson-Laing has established WL Distillery in County Durham after sampling European and Mediterranean flavours while volunteering as an archaeologist overseas and wanting to replicate a regional taste back home.

Scott explained: “A Spanish wine reminds you of a holiday or a Raki that reminds you of Turkey, I want to create something that bottles up and gives people a real flavour of the North East, something that is reminiscent and evocative. That’s what inspired me to launch WL Distillery.”

Initially producing a signature gin – which is set to be released early next year - WL’s products will take inspiration from ‘the Great British garden’.

Supported throughout his startup journey by the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), Scott worked with business advisor Ron Anderson and attended a series of workshops and masterclasses on a range of topics - from business planning to Instagram marketing.

Scott added: “Ron was my business advisor and has been great. He really knows his stuff. He has set up a fair few businesses in his time so it’s nice to have someone experienced to bounce ideas off.

“When you’re setting up, you have all these grand ideas, but when it comes down to the practicality, it’s great to have someone to turn to, especially with the financial planning side of things.

“Ron helped to massively simplify the process, proving that it’s nowhere near as gruelling as it looks.”

Ron Anderson, business adviser at the North East BIC, commented: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Scott and supporting him on his journey so far.

“The passion he has for not only the region’s culture, but also for distilling, is clear for anyone to see and we wish him all the best for the future.”