Linda Birch
Founder of Brewery Market
Tell us about your business
Brewery Market is a craft beer shop located on Church Street, in Twickenham, that offers a curated selection of beers from around the world. We focus on providing high-quality, unique, and hard-to-find beers for our customers. We are a community-focused craft beer shop, a hub for local beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a wide selection of craft beers, meads and cider from both local and international breweries. The shop hosts regular events, including tasting sessions, meetups with industry professionals, and talks on a range of topics. Brewery Market is passionate about supporting local businesses and promoting sustainability, and this is reflected in our careful curation of products. The shop is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, and our staff are always on hand to offer guidance and recommendations.
Brewery Market’s three core values are craft, creativity, and community. Craft refers to our focus on curating a selection of high-quality craft beers and hand crafted products, with an emphasis on locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. Creativity refers to our commitment to exploring new and innovative ways of showcasing beer and its many uses, such as in our Beertanicals range of natural products. Community is at the heart of Brewery Market’s ethos, with a focus on creating a welcoming space where people can come together, share their passion for beer and culture, and build a strong sense of community. Through these three core values, Brewery Market strives to be more than just a beer shop, but a destination that celebrates the unique and diverse world of craft beer and the community that surrounds it.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am the creative founder of Brewery Market, a space dedicated to encouraging people to “drink differently”. For as long as I can remember I loved the idea of starting my own business. Though it was never the “right time” or some other justification, I always had this terrible fear of dying with the regret of never having tried. With a passion for both flavour and ethics, I envisioned a welcoming space where people could come together and explore a new world of beer. With a background in corporate financial accounting, I brought a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. With my hard-earned savings and determination, I opened Brewery Market in 2018, and since then have been working tirelessly (whilst still upholding my other jobs as an Accountant😅) to provide customers with an unparalleled experience. In addition to my involvement with the shop, I also use my business acumen to volunteer as Treasurer for the local Church Street Traders Association in Twickenham.
What made you start your business / career?
Opening Brewery Market was incredibly important to me because it allowed me to combine my love for craft beer with my passion for community-building. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I saw the opportunity to create a space that was inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of gender or background. I wanted to challenge the stereotypes and biases that often come with the craft beer industry and create a space where people could come together, try new things, and feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences.
Being a woman in any industry has not always been easy, but I have found strength in the support of the Brewery Market community and the belief that I can make a difference. I hope that by opening Brewery Market, I have been able to inspire and empower other women to pursue their passions and break down barriers in whatever industry they choose. I believe that everyone has the ability to make a positive impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so through Brewery Market.
Current figures show that women are behind roughly one in three businesses, why do you think that number isn’t higher?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the lower number of women-owned businesses. One of the biggest is the persistent gender gap in access to resources, such as funding and mentorship, which can make it more difficult for women to start and grow their businesses. There are also social and cultural barriers, such as gender bias and stereotypes, that can make it harder for women to break into certain industries and secure leadership positions.
Additionally, women are still often responsible for a disproportionate amount of unpaid caregiving and household work, which can limit their ability to devote time and resources to building a business. This can be exacerbated by a lack of supportive policies, such as paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
Overall, addressing these barriers will require a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, increased access to resources and mentorship, and a shift in societal attitudes towards gender roles and women’s leadership.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and which women do you feel has supported you the most to get to where you are today?
As a woman in business, I believe that it’s incredibly important for women to lift each other up and support each other. The business world can be tough and competitive, and having a strong network of supportive women can make all the difference.
I’ve been fortunate to have many amazing women support me throughout my career. From mentors who have provided guidance and advice, to colleagues who have been there to celebrate my successes and lift me up during challenging times. I believe that it’s essential for women to stick together and help each other succeed.
I also believe that it’s important for women to use their positions of influence to support other women. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or creating opportunities for women in your industry, we all have the power to make a difference and create a more equitable and inclusive world.
The IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. What do you think we can do to promote this thinking to the next generation?
I believe that promoting equity to the next generation starts with education and awareness. It’s important to teach young people about the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to encourage them to value and respect people of all backgrounds and identities.
We can also promote equity by providing equal opportunities and access to resources for all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or other factors. This includes promoting women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, as well as supporting underrepresented groups in fields such as STEM.
Additionally, it’s important to challenge and disrupt the societal norms and biases that perpetuate inequity. This includes speaking out against discrimination and stereotypes, and actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences.
Overall, promoting equity to the next generation requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, awareness, equal access, and challenging systemic biases.
