In the latest episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sat down with Rupert Holloway, founder of Conker Distillery — now 12+ years into the journey.

This isn’t a “look how successful it’s been” story.

It’s a real look at what it takes to build, survive, and evolve a business through:

• A booming start with zero real strategy

• Hitting a plateau when the market catches up

• Navigating COVID, cost of living, Brexit and supply chain chaos

• Competing in an industry dominated by billion-pound brands

• Learning (the hard way) that cashflow and numbers matter more than hype

There’s also a brilliant thread running through this episode around brand.

Not logos. Not colours.

But what your business actually stands for.

Rupert puts it simply:

If people forget what your product tastes like, you’re fine.

If they forget your brand… you’re gone.

We also get into:

• Why he wouldn’t start a gin business today

• How Conker Coffee Liqueur became a real scale opportunity

• The danger of chasing “what’s next” instead of doubling down on what works

• Why staying in your lane might be the smartest move you make

• And the one thing every business owner must understand from day one…

👉 Know your numbers.

Not your turnover.

Not your ego.

Your real numbers.

If you’re building a business, growing one, or thinking about stepping out on your own, this episode is worth your time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

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