Could you provide a brief introduction to your career path, from graduation to where you are now?
I chose to pursue a degree in Computer Science because I had always had a keen interest in maths and problem-solving, and I believed that the practical and analytical skills I would learn would become increasingly valuable in the future.
My student experience at 91Ö±²¥ was excellent, I loved my time there and focused on making the most of my academic and personal growth.
After graduating, I joined Deutsche Bank’s graduate scheme, starting in Technology. After six months, I transitioned into the Investment Banking Division, focusing on Tech, Media and Telecoms Mergers and Acquisitions. This move was an unusual and challenging path, requiring me to take the initiative to network internally, demonstrate my ambition and take part in the training and opportunities offered. Skills I picked up at University in programming proved invaluable for financial modelling and analytical thinking.
After several years, I moved to a private equity-backed business, following a client I’d worked with at Deutsche Bank. This role involved working directly with the management team on strategic projects to grow the business.
My work experiences gave me a great insight into both advisory and operational roles and a well-rounded perspective on business early in my career, which provided me with the confidence to pursue my own ventures.
What motivated you to establish Pillars Brewery?
I’ve wanted to start my own business since I was 13, driven by a desire for independence, a passion for building something meaningful, and inspiration from family and friends at that age. After helping take a private equity-backed business through to a successful exit, I felt it was the right time to take the leap around 2016.
I dedicated almost a year to exploring and analysing various opportunities, balancing my passions with commercial viability. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding process. Around 2015, the craft beer industry was booming, yet no small breweries were focusing solely on lager, despite its overwhelming popularity in the UK and globally. That insight led us to pursue a unique mission: to build the UK’s most loved lager brand by specialising in what many other new breweries had overlooked.
Once I had a clear vision, I approached Omar, a close friend from university who had studied Economics and was already running a successful retail business. I asked if he and his brothers would join me on this journey. They agreed, and it’s been a fantastic partnership ever since.
How did your degree help with starting your business?
University was instrumental in teaching me self-motivation and discipline, which are crucial traits for any entrepreneur. My Computer Science degree, in particular, provided me with critical thinking and analytical skills that shaped the way I approach problem-solving and decision-making. Those skills gave me the confidence to take the leap into starting my own business.
One of the most impactful experiences during my degree was my final-year project. It gave me firsthand experience in taking a concept from a blank page through to a fully functional product. That process taught me not only what is possible with dedication and structured problem-solving but also how rewarding it is to see an idea come to life.
That said, I strongly believe that some lessons only come through experience. Starting a business is one of those. While university lays a solid foundation, the real learnings in business happen when you take action, make mistakes, reflect on feedback, and take those learnings to improve.
Have there been any pivotal moments or key learnings/milestones in setting up Pillars Brewery?
There have been countless learnings along the way. My advice to anyone starting a business is to pursue something you’re truly passionate about. Mistakes are inevitable, and they’re a vital part of the learning process. Having a clear purpose helps you to stay motivated and move forward, even when challenges arise. For us, building a lager-only brewery in a competitive market taught us the importance of staying true to our mission of bringing humans together while adapting to what we learned.
How has the business grown?
When we first started, it was just me working full-time, with the other three founders joining shortly after. For the first few years, it was just the four of us, working hands-on and learning the nuances of the industry. Fast forward to today, we’re a team of 20 and actively growing. This year, we’re on track to hit a 50% revenue growth rate, with an average of 98% Year-on-Year growth since 2020. It’s been a journey of steady, sustainable scaling, and we’re excited about what’s next.
Were there any specific skills or knowledge you found particularly valuable on your career journey?
Critical thinking has been crucial. Coming into the brewing industry as outsiders gave us the advantage of being able to question assumptions and approach challenges from first principles. This allowed us to create a unique path for our business. Additionally, building a strong management team with complementary skills and knowledge has been a game-changer. Surrounding yourself with people who bring diverse perspectives is essential for long-term success.
Do you have any advice for current students or recent graduates?
If I could go back in time, I would focus on entering an industry with strong growth potential and joining a company where I could fail fast. Early mistakes are powerful learning opportunities that set you up for success in future roles. In hindsight, I’d also look for roles that allowed me to experiment and take ownership early on, as those experiences have been the most impactful in my career.
If I could offer one piece of key advice, I would suggest finding something that aligns with your passions and pursue a meaningful goal beyond just financial success. When you’re truly invested in your mission, the financial rewards tend to follow naturally. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Having a purpose keeps you moving forward.
In my opinion, important qualities and skills to cultivate are the ability to take risks, embrace failure, and learn from experience is absolutely vital. Combine that with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, and you’ll stay ahead in any field.
What are your career goals for the future?
Our mission is to create the UK’s most loved lager brand, and that remains my primary focus. I’m passionate about building a business that resonates with people and makes a lasting impact. We are focused on nurturing community and human connection.
We’re always exploring new technologies to gain a competitive edge. My background in Computer Science gives me a useful perspective, and I love integrating innovation into our business. It’s about staying curious and never getting too comfortable.
We’ve got some exciting projects and innovations planned…but they’re under wraps for now!