Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What life cover and health insurance options do members recommend for small drinks businesses with under 5 employees?
Members have found success with both brokered and direct approaches for employee health and life cover at small scale. **Health & Medical Cover:** - **Vitality** — recommended by members for medical and dental cover for small teams **Brokers & Introductions:** - Members suggest getting a personal recommendation via DM from someone in the community who is currently arranging cover, as several people indicated they could recommend a broker directly - **Katie Edmunds** — available for introductions (contact via group members) **Next Steps:** Members note this is an active area where multiple people are currently going through the process, so direct peer introductions tend to yield better results than cold outreach. Ask in the group for a broker recommendation or referral code.
What practical advice and contacts should new bar owners know about when opening in the current economic climate?
Members with bar and taproom experience are willing to offer mentorship to new bar owners, though expect candid, realistic guidance given current market conditions. Key practical recommendations from the community: **Mentorship & peer advice** - Several experienced bar owners in the group have offered to share learnings via direct messages. This appears to be the most valued resource—real conversations with people who've navigated recent openings. **Suppliers & services** - **Risdon and Risdon** — recommended for branded aprons; used by multiple bars and Everleaf (the alcohol-free spirit brand). - **Gallagher** — recommended as a reliable business insurance broker for hospitality. - **NFU** — members use for employer liability insurance. **Logistics support** - Stretch tent/marquee suppliers can fall through at the last minute; having backup contacts in this space is advisable for events like Pub in the Park activations. **Caveats** - The economic climate is presenting genuine headwinds. Mentors emphasize delivering realistic, not optimistic, perspectives on current trading conditions and costs.