Vapoura Rum founders seek investment to scale English spirit brand

Barkley and Jackson acknowledge that their initial financial projections for setting up the business were significantly underestimated, citing the time-consuming and costly nature of the venture. However, they remain committed to their vision, highlighting the emotional bond formed through the lengthy process of aging their rum, which has been laid down for three years. This contrasts with competitors who can readily blend existing stock.

The brand is strategically positioning itself with a contemporary and progressive image, moving away from the traditional nautical and swashbuckling themes often associated with rum. Their marketing efforts include engagement with events and music, featuring DJs and releasing their own album. Geographically, Vapoura Rum is looking to expand its reach beyond London and the Southwest of England, with plans to establish a stronger presence in cities like Manchester and Birmingham, alongside testing various export markets next year.

As part of its growth strategy, Vapoura Rum is preparing to launch a limited-edition 'Chapter 3' liquid, ideally in collaboration with another luxury English brand. The founders also recognize the need to transition from hands-on management to a more scalable operational structure. They are seeking investment to build a dedicated team for sales, marketing, and senior leadership roles over the next 18 months to two years, enabling them to elevate the brand to its next stage of development.