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 are typical fees and minimum terms for obtaining Movement Guarantees through surety providers?
Movement Guarantee premiums typically start at a £1,000 minimum annual fee, regardless of the guarantee amount requested. Members report significant variation in pricing and terms depending on the underwriter. **Specific quotes members have received:** - **AON** (contact: james.ellison@aon.co.uk, underwritten by Aviva) — £1,000 minimum annual premium with £20k minimum surety requirement - **HCC through Nationwide Sureties** — quoted fees described as "way over" expectations, specific amount not disclosed - Anonymous provider — quoted £1,500 for a £2,750 guarantee over two years **Key observations:** - The £1,000 minimum fee applies even for smaller guarantee amounts (e.g., £20k) - Two-year terms appear available but pricing varies significantly - Members recommend shopping around, as quotes vary substantially between providers **Caveat:** The sample of quotes is small and anecdotal. Pricing likely depends on your business profile, guarantee amount required, and underwriter appetite. Getting multiple quotes from different brokers is essential.
What are the practical strategies and service providers for managing EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) compliance and costs?
EPR compliance is creating significant cost pressures for drinks brands, with some facing six or seven-figure annual impacts depending on sector. Members are using several practical approaches: **Service Providers & Consultants** - **Ecosurery** (Bristol) — recommended by multiple members for managing EPR registration and compliance - **CLARITY** — a consultancy that has identified potential cost mitigation strategies and is helping brands develop collective responses **Cost Mitigation Tactics** - **On-Trade exemption letters** — Some consultancies have identified a potential route to reduce costs: obtaining written confirmation from end-on-trade customers (not wholesalers) stating that bottles cannot be removed from the premises where sold. Members report most customers are willing to sign these letters. - **Collective industry approach** — Several members are forming a united group with competitor brands to submit appeals to DEFRA, though this takes time. A large soft drinks brand has already faced investigation for attempting to exclude on-trade from waste returns to avoid the levy. **Key Caveats** - Retailers and wholesalers are responding inconsistently — some are collaborating with suppliers on costs, others are delaying decisions and leaving suppliers to fund the interim gap. - Amazon and other major online platforms have notified some sellers of EPR tax increases and requested price decreases; members report some suppliers are absorbing these rather than passing them on. - The on-trade letter strategy may face scrutiny (DEFRA has already investigated similar approaches by larger brands). - Joining a collective buying group or consultancy arrangement can help coordinate strategy but requires time investment. Members advise monitoring DEFRA's response to appeals and collective challenges.
Where can UK and EU trademark renewal services be sourced at competitive rates?
Members report that trademark renewal costs can be high, and recommend exploring alternatives to mainstream IP firms. One member successfully used a **Polish lawyer** for EU trademark renewal and handled UK renewal themselves, and is happy to introduce other members to their Polish contact. Another member also has a recommended contact they described as "great" for this service. Members suggest reaching out directly within the community to get introductions to these cost-effective options rather than accepting initial quotes from larger firms.
What do drinks brands need to know about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging regulations and compliance in the UK?
EPR legislation is now a mandatory consideration for drinks brands, with significant cost and compliance implications. Here's what members recommend: **Compliance & Administration:** - **Ecosurety** — members use them to handle packaging waste submissions and PRNs (Packaging Recovery Notes). They provide guidance on the regulatory landscape and cost implications. - Monitor packaging regulations and revenue/weight thresholds carefully if your company is fast-growing; non-compliance in even a single year can result in criminal charges, so this is not optional. - Recycled glass content and other material considerations now factor into costs, which can incentivise more sustainable packaging choices. **Key Actions:** - Review the government guidance at gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-who-is-affected-and-what-to-do to understand if and when your brand is affected. - Factor EPR costs into your cost base and financial projections early—these are real, incremental expenses that will grow over time. - Work with a compliance partner (like Ecosurety) rather than handling submissions in-house if you lack expertise. **Caveat:** The regulatory landscape is evolving, so staying informed and planning ahead is critical to avoid penalties and unexpected costs.
What are typical costs for trademark protection across multiple countries?
Trademark protection costs vary significantly depending on whether you use professional services or file directly yourself. **Professional service costs:** - A quote of £3,000 for multi-country protection (UK, EU, Australia, and USA) was reported by a member, though they questioned whether better rates were available. **DIY filing costs:** - Filing through the **Madrid Protocol** and the **IPO (UK Intellectual Property Office)** directly can cost approximately £1,500, representing a substantial saving over professional services. Members indicated that self-filing is feasible and recommended exploring this route if you have the bandwidth to manage the application process yourself.