(Photo/Jon Super 07974 356-333)
Employee owned, Manchester based drinks specialist Kingsland Drinks Group has secured a £65 million funding package from Barclays with the support of audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK.
The funds will facilitate future growth plans under the leadership of former Purity Soft Drinks CEO Sarah Baldwin, who joined Kingsland Drinks as Managing Director in 2025.
Based in Irlam, Greater Manchester, Kingsland Drinks Group is an independent, insights-led drinks partner which provides innovative solutions across contract bottling and canning, product development, and sourcing and procurement to major UK retailers and drinks brands.
With a rich history in wine and spirit production dating back to 1955, and employing around 400 staff locally, the company has established a multi-faceted operation combining drinks creation with extensive co-packing and bottling capabilities. Building on its longstanding position as a key supplier of branded and own‑label wines, in recent years the Group has strengthened its spirits proposition and expanded its focus into the fast‑growing low‑ and no‑alcohol category.
The new funding package will allow the business to continue its ambitious growth journey, following its move to employee ownership in 2021, unlocking new opportunities for future investment.
Sarah Baldwin, managing director at Kingsland Drinks, added: “The past few years have seen some challenging times for the drinks industry and for Kingsland. We’re now moving into a phase of evolving the core business and securing long-term development opportunities. This funding will help secure an exciting future for the business as a pioneering force in the drinks industry, built on strong community roots where our people, heritage and quality continue to set us apart.”
RSM UK, led by Ashley Suter with support from Jack Williams and Sebastian Knight, advised Kingsland Drinks Group on the funding package.
Ashley Suter, head of debt advisory in the Northwest and Wales at RSM UK said: “Kingsland Drinks Group has built a solid national reputation as an industry leading drinks specialist. We are thrilled to have supported the team with securing a funding package that will facilitate the businesses future growth and innovation.”
Fiona Parkes, relationship director at Barclays Corporate, said: “We are pleased to support Kingsland with a £65m Asset Based Lending facility that provides enhanced working capital flexibility and supports the company’s ongoing growth plans. As an employee‑owned organisation entering its next phase of development, Kingsland represents a strong new client relationship for Barclays, and we look forward to supporting the business going forward”
Kingsland Drinks Group was advised by law firm Hill Dickinson LLP, while Barclays was advised by Addleshaw Goddard LLP.
