Incredible Response To ‘Save Skinner’s’ Campaign
Skinner’s Brewery has launched a Crowdfunding Campaign to help the independent brewery survive until the pubs reopen again – which in many cases won’t be until May.
Skinner’s, which has created some of Cornwall’s best-loved beers, including Betty Stogs, Porthleven and Lushington’s, has set an ambitious target of £100,000 which it says will “help keep us operational until all pubs finally reopen and our income begins to pick up again.”
The campaign went live on Monday 1st March at 11am, raising over £35,000 in just 24 hours.
Some exclusive and unique rewards are available to supporters, from ‘beer for a year’ to signed original artwork, ‘brew your own beer’ experiences and exclusive hire of the Brewery Tasting Room and The Old Ale House.
Owned by husband and wife team Steve and Elaine Skinner, the brewery was in a transitional phase when Covid hit, leaving it uniquely vulnerable – even in the struggling brewing sector.
Elaine explains: “We lost about 70% of our turnover last year. Not only were pubs closed, but our other incomes streams – like brewery tours and our newly refitted tap room – were all decimated. We’ve fought tenaciously to secure the future of the brewery for a year now and we can see light at the end of the tunnel – we just need help getting over the final hurdle!”
Elaine, Steve and their passionate team have big plans for the future, and say they are longing to leave behind the state of limbo that Covid has caused.
Steve says: “We want to turn what has been an incredibly tough experience into a positive, using this moment to reset and move forward with greater clarity and purpose than ever before.”
By supporting the day-to-day operation of the brewery until May, the cash will allow the team to start brewing a wider range of beers once again and, if enough is raised, purchase a canning line to open up a whole new world of possibilities for the band of ambitious brewers.
Steve explained: “Basically, we need to find a way of going from surviving to thriving! We’re not asking for hand-outs, we’re asking for a leg-up over the final hurdle, and into that bright future where we can all raise a pint together again!”
Skinner’s have been the heart and soul of the Cornish beer scene since 1997, supplying the best independent pubs in Cornwall with their quality, characterful beers, and selling direct to customers in store and online.
The brand is known for its fun-loving approach and tireless support for local good causes; alongside the character of Betty Stogs (aka Fred Thomas) Skinner’s estimate they have raised over £500k for charity over the years.
As the Crowdfunder campaigns puts it: “From helping transform Truro Cathedral into one huge dancefloor to raise money for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, to quenching thirsty voices at the International Sea Shanty Festival, you can always count on finding Skinner’s at the heart of a crowd (at least when such a thing was allowed!) If you love Cornwall and love Skinner’s beer, then we need YOU!”