Founder of Speyside Brewery steps down to focus on "next project"
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THE founder of a brewery in Forres has announced that he will leave the business.
Seb Jones, who established Speyside Brewery in 2012, will leave his current role as managing director by mutual agreement.
Seb says that the move, which will see him leave the drinks industry entirely, is necessary so that he can research and develop his next project.
"This last decade or so at the brewery has been a blast," he said.
"We’ve had a lot of fun, made some great beer, and garnered a humbling amount of local and national support.
“I’m extremely proud of how Speyside Brewery has established itself in Forres, and everyone in the town seems to be proud to have its own brewery. I love that about this place.
“The brewery has a loyal customer base, which I’m sure will go from strength to strength with a great team as the new owners establish a bigger market presence.”
Speyside Brewery was sold to its current owners in early 2022.
A new team has been employed and increased capacity has been introduced to cope with demand.
Seb has confirmed that his next project will be outwith the alcohol industry but has remained tight-lipped on any specifics.
“The project I’m working on needs quite a bit of research and development, which I cannot do alongside my commitment to Speyside Brewery," he said.
“I have great confidence it will do fine without me, and I wish it and all the team great success.”
The brewery was the first to be established in Moray for a decade when it was founded in 2012.
Its beers were named after local icons in an effort to promote the area.
And in 2015 it sold a pioneering beer-enhanced whisky globally after partnering with Glenfiddich Distillery based in Dufftown.
But the Covid pandemic forced a hibernation of the brewery which was then sold to Moray business women Katalin and Naidene Urquhart.
The pair thanked the departing founder's contribution in setting the brewery up in its new location.
Katalin said: “It’s been invaluable to have Seb on board to get Speyside Brewery going again after the covid-induced hiatus.
Naidene added: “The new team are working well and we have an exciting year ahead of us with new packaging and beers being released.
"We wish Seb well with his next venture.”
