Microbrewer

As a microbrewer, you'll:

• research and create your own drinks recipes
•  manage stock and order raw ingredients from suppliers
•  set up and monitor beer or spirits production
•  bottle, label and pack finished products
•  clean and maintain equipment
•  promote your drinks to wholesalers, local markets, beer festivals and on social media
•  take customer orders and arrange deliveries

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work on your own
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to register as a brewer with HM Revenue and Customs to pay alcohol duty. You'll also have to join the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, if you plan to sell to other businesses.

You must register your premises with the environmental health department of your local council.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• specialist training courses
• setting up your own business

You could increase production volume and become a bigger brewery, or work for a larger brewery company as a master brewer. You could also become a consultant, giving advice to others on setting up in the craft drinks trade.

You could run brewing or distilling workshops for people new to microbrewing or for people who do it as a hobby.