Lakes Distillery entrepreneur shares recipe for success at Business Week

11 November 2015

Scores of business figures had the opportunity to hear from the founder of the largest distillery in England as part of Clydesdale Bank’s Business Week.

More than 100 guests attended the session featuring Paul Currie, managing director of the Lakes Distillery. The event was held at Clydesdale Bank’s Carlisle Business and Private Banking Centre on Thursday 12 November.

Guests were treated to a buffet before Paul discussed the creation of the distillery and his plans for the business. Following his talk, guests were invited to sample spirits produced by the distillery.

The Lakes Distillery opened almost a year ago on a scenic rural site close to Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria. The site also incorporates a visitor centre, a bar and bistro overseen by renowned restaurateur Terry Laybourne and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced goods.

The distillery’s spirits have won wide acclaim with its blended whisky, The ONE – which is the first British Isles blended whisky – receiving a silver medal in the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2015. The distillery’s Lakes Vodka, which is the first vodka to be produced in Cumbria, also won an IWSC 2015 silver medal.

David Hannon, Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Carlisle Business and Private Banking Centre, and host of the event, said: “Welcoming Paul has been an honour and a pleasure. It was an inspiration to hear from him and learn from his experience of creating a fantastic Cumbrian brand producing high quality award-winning products.

“I also wish to thank everyone who attended the event. Business Week offers customers an opportunity to connect with each other and share ideas and experiences. Sometimes hearing about the challenges and successes of another business owner can be just the catalyst you need for new ideas.

“Food and drink is a key sector for Clydesdale Bank, and we’re committed to supporting the industry and the professionals who service it.”

The theme for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks’ Business Week is ‘Growth through innovation’, a positive and forward thinking approach to inspire businesses across the UK. Over 200 events will take place across the country, from breakfast meetings to flagship events, with an impressive line-up of innovative speakers including Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Blacks, and Will Whitehorn, former president of Virgin Galactic.