This is the latest in our series of regular Business Q&A features. This week, we heard from Richard Thompson, managing director of Kettlesing Distilling Co Ltd in Melmerby, near Ripon.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We are a family-run Yorkshire distillery most famous for our Sing Gin. But we also make Sommer aperitif – which is like a rhubarb and raspberry alternative to Aperol for a spritz. And through a collaboration with another great local company, we make Farrah's Toffee Vodka liqueurs.

On top of all that, we offer contract distilling and bottling services and also sell hampers and gifts through our e-commerce platform.

What does it take to be successful in business?

I think there are three key ingredients: a strong work ethic, a great product and/or service, and definitely a little bit of luck. Also, as a family business, people have always been at the heart of what we do, and our reputation has been built on that.

We've just moved from Kettlesing into new premises in Melmerby and will be fully operational there by the end of June. We really needed to move somewhere bigger, because our revenue is doubling every two years.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

We just try to be the best we can be as a business. I've always loved the challenge of building a business. 

In the early days, I would fill a backpack with gin and walk into bars to sell it, and during those first two or three years, covering every inch of Yorkshire taught me so much about business and about people.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

You've probably heard it before from other businesses, but the biggest problem has just been rising costs and taxation.

Taxation is a huge issue for us – ever-increasing business rates, VAT, and alcohol excise duty, which has increased significantly in recent years.

In July 2023, the excise duty we'd pay on a 70cl bottle of 40% gin was £7.90. It's now £9.52. We've had three duty hikes in the last two or three years.

In the brewing industry there's small brewers' relief, but there's no equivalent for distillers, so we face the same costs as the global giants. But you just have to ride the challenges.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

I hugely admire what Valeria Sykes and her son Richard have achieved at Grantley Hall. Restoring and safeguarding such a historic building was remarkable in itself, but turning it into what they have now has taken such attention to detail, which they've coupled with a sustainable approach. They're really helping to put Yorkshire on the map as a luxury destination.

I've also got to mention Harrogate Theatre. The passion, resilience and dedication the team has to keep that theatre thriving is absolutely inspiring.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

My dad, Ian. He and my mum started a business called Advanced Electronics from our home and over the next 20 years grew it into a global company employing more than 200 people and operating in 80 countries. It made fire alarm control panels, and its products protect many of the most important buildings around the world. Their example taught me the value of hard work, resilience and long-term thinking.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Greater support for small businesses. Many regions benefit from grants to invest in growth and sustainability, but in North Yorkshire the opportunities are limited.

Sustainability is a huge thing for us. We recently installed solar panels and EV charging points so now visiting customers and suppliers can come and charge their car free of charge. But we received no support for it – and it's not cheap.

Best and worst things about running a business from Ripon?

The best thing is the support from local people and businesses. We're really fortunate to work with some incredible companies, such as Fodder, Weetons, and Ake & Humphris, as well as the National Trust and Fountains Abbey.

Harrogate and the surrounding area has a brilliant culture of support for local businesses. We see people return to us year after year, and we're very grateful for that.

There's no 'worst' thing about this area specifically – businesses everywhere face the same challenges.

What are your business plans for the future?

How long have you got? We've just moved to a new 5,000 square foot facility near Ripon to support the growth of our company.

We're also just gearing up for a major own-label launch with Fortnum & Mason, and we've introduced new technology that significantly reduces the volume of plastic waste in the labelling process.

We're also launching a new e-commerce platform, drinkshamper.com, which enables us to expand into whisky, rum and other drinks beyond gin.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I definitely work way too much. I'm also a Leeds United fan, so that keeps life interesting!

We've got two dogs including a puppy, so a lot of my time is devoted to dog training – with varying degrees of success!

Best places to eat and drink locally?

Just near our distillery is the Portly Pig, which is a traditional pub I highly recommend. It's got a great atmosphere, a great selection of drinks, and the owners are absolutely lovely.

In Harrogate, I love Rhubarb on Cheltenham Parade. They've created something rather special there – it's like fine dining, but without being intimidating, and the customer service is second to none.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district – including Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale – and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.