Brewing company turns on the growth tap at Bradford Estates

Wildman Brewing Company, which primarily produces coffee and spirits, has moved into a refurbished commercial unit on the Bradford Estates-owned Lizard Lane Business Village in order to scale up its operation.

In its new home, Wildman Brewing Company will operate a coffee roastery, along with a distillery producing gin, vodka, rum and liqueur. The business also produces dehydrated garnishes such as fruit slices, with plans to expand into sugar syrups.

Wildman positions all of its products as being more sustainable and environmentally friendly than mass-produced alternatives.

Alongside their coffee beans being sourced from cooperatives in Africa and South America, Wildman pride themselves on their distillery’s operations being among few in the UK to use non-traditional equipment without sulphites.

The company currently sells its products at local artisan markets, with plans under way to see its coffee and spirits offered in bars and shops.

Managing Director Timothy Evans said: "Moving into our new premises on the Bradford Estates will create new opportunities for Wildman Brewing Company to grow.

“Having been born and raised in Telford, I then went on to work in the brewing industry in the Lake District. When I started a family, I wanted to move back to the area and knowing the Bradford Estates well, when I saw this commercial unit being advertised, I knew it was where I wanted Wildman to be.

“It is a well laid out space and a peaceful area, so I can work and then watch the wildlife go by. We plan to expand the business, to grow from wholesale distribution to include a café and restaurant as well as a shop all in the local area.”

Wildman Brewery joins a business community at Bradford Estates operating across a diverse range of sectors, including automotive, maintenance, fresh produce, timber products, IT and tech. The mix of commercial occupiers is in line with the landowner’s drive to support sustainable local economic growth through the repurposing of historic buildings.

Operating in line with its 100-year stewardship plan for its 12,000 acre land holding, Bradford Estates acts as a responsive landowner through investment in the future prosperity the local community, offering a broad range of commercial space in attractive rural settings yet still in close proximity to key routes including the M54, A5, A41 and A518, between Wolverhampton and Telford.

Chris Hodson, Property Director of Bradford Estates, said: "We are delighted to welcome Timothy and Wildman Brewing Company to join our growing business community as they begin an exciting new chapter in their growth story.

"Their arrival helps us continue to support a diverse local economy, combining the preservation of our business heritage with support for innovative growing companies."