Sapling Spirits, founded in 2018, is a London-based sustainable, climate-positive spirits brand, including British-made vodka and London Dry Gin. With a mission to reduce carbon footprints and support reforestation efforts, the company has grown rapidly. By 2023, Sapling secured £1.4 million in crowdfunding, allowing them to expand their product range and distribution.
As the business scaled, the company faced a challenge: Ned, the Head of Operations, was preparing for six months of paternity leave, and there was no one to step into his role.
“With such a small team, the idea of managing operations without our Head of Operations for six months felt daunting. I knew we needed help, but we also needed someone who understood our values and goals.”
– Ed Faulkner, Co-Founder
Outsourcing the supply chain
YF had worked with Sapling Spirits previously, conducting an Operations MOT, which gave an in-depth understanding of their business. This made the transition seamless when Sapling needed support.
YF provided a comprehensive, end-to-end outsourced supply chain solution, covering everything from forecasting and production planning to managing key projects such as organic certification and the introduction of new lightweight bottles.
“YF didn’t just step in and handle operations; they brought a sense of stability and confidence, allowing us to stay focused on the bigger picture. Alongside managing logistics, they kept everything aligned with our long-term vision.”
– Ed Faulkner, Co-Founder
Business as usual
Operations ran smoothly during a crucial time for the business, and YF maintained the status quo, while also helping Sapling Spirits advance their goals and move forward with key initiatives as planned.
With YF handling the supply chain, the company was able to stay agile and continue expanding its reach, increasing its presence in both supermarkets and direct-to-consumer channels.
“The results have been outstanding. It was like having an extension of our team. YF alsohelped us maintain momentum. We didn’t lose any ground. If anything, we advanced ourgoals during a challenging period.”
– Ed Faulkner, Co-Founder
The Sapling continues to grow
With internal processes in place, Sapling Spirits now operates independently, but they continue to rely on YF for advisory support as they scale further. The future looks bright as the company moves toward continued growth and expansion in the sustainable spirits market.
“We’re grateful for YF’s ongoing advisory support. Their expertise has been invaluable, and we’ll continue to call on them as we grow.”
Ed Faulkner, Co-Founder
Key takeaways
1. “Establish trust with external partners early”
When facing operational challenges, partnering with a trusted external team or advisor can provide stability and peace of mind.
2. “Stay agile to continue progress”
Even during transitions, keep your business agile to ensure key projects and growth initiatives adapt and stay on track.
3. “Build a support system”
Strong support is essential for managing daily operations while focusing on the bigger picture.
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