Nominate for SA’s top Fast Movers 2019

The search for SA’s fastest growing companies is now on through BDO SA and Brand South Australia’s Fast Movers 2019 program, launched by local craft beer maker Big Shed Brewing Co, which can’t grow fast enough to keep up with demand for its popular brews.

Big Shed Brewing’s Craig Basford and Jason Harris. Picture: Calum Robertson.

• Fast Movers 2018: Meet SA’s fastest growing companies

Local craft beer maker Big Shed Brewing Co can’t grow fast enough to keep up with demand for its popular brews in the midst of a pivotal production year.

Co-founder Craig Basford is hopeful a $2.5 million expansion will be completed by August or September this year, creating a new 3500 sqm space at Royal Park where beer, food and entertainment will “share the limelight”. That expansion, funded also by a $1 million state government loan and $50,000 grant — will take beer production from 250,000 litres a year to 600,000 litres annually at the start — and 3.2 million litres in the next three years.

“It’s very exciting and we are currently waiting on council approvals to start work as soon as possible,” Mr Basford told The Advertiser. “We can’t keep up with the demand for our beer through wholesale (channel) as well as restaurant and brewery,” he said.

Mr Basford and business partner Jason Harris will also travel to UK this month after being invited to showcase their craft beer at an international beer festival.

“We are among six international breweries invited to participate and the only Australian company. It will be a good platform to then start discussing any export options.”

Over the next few months, the business will be looking for brewers, cellar staff and front of house staff with plans to create 30 new jobs in three years.

Big Shed Brewing Co, set up in 2013, was ranked seventh on the BDO Top 25 Fast Movers 2018 list.

The business has seen 131 per cent-plus growth on average in three years. The new 50 hectolitre, four-vessel brewery expansion is expected to push this even further. The success came as a surprise to the founders who started off with a microbrewery in a shed at the end of 2013. Their diverse creations — on tap and in bottles — include FrankenBROWN, Kol Schisel, Golden Stout Time, which emulates the flavour of a Streets Golden Gaytime ice cream and a number of seasonal offerings like Cherry Popper cider. They are also known for their quirky creations, including a Thai Green Curry flavoured beer they made for a Melbourne festival.

Mr Basford shared more about his business and quirks at the BDO SA and Brand South Australia launch of Fast Movers 2019 last night at Keith Murdoch House.

Fast Movers recognises SA businesses that are the most innovative, smart and fastest growing companies in the state — and this year’s program hopes to unearth more gems.

“Big Shed Brewing exemplify the story of so many of our Fast Movers. A willingness to experiment, to learn through mistakes and the tenacity to stick to their vision,” BDO SA managing partner Rudy Pieck said.

“Rapid growth can present challenges to business owners, but those who establish a plan, keep their eye on the end game and gather a great team who share in that vision are most likely to succeed, ” he said.

Enviroclad Australia, Elite Building and Renovations and Uniti Wireless were the top three Fast Movers in 2018.

“Each year Fast Movers helps to create passion, enthusiasm and exposure amongst our fastest growing companies and we are excited for the 2019 chapter of the program,” Karen Raffen, chief executive, Brand SA said.

This year, two new awards have been introduced — the fastest employment growth award for the company with the highest percentage growth in employment numbers averaged over three years and the Excellence in Business Award for a company that has achieved exceptional and sustained growth year on year and demonstrated innovative strategies and market leadership.

Nominees have the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes, including a significant cash prize. Enter at www.fastmoverssa.com.au

THE ADVERTISER IS A SUPPORTER OF FAST MOVERS 2019