Jeff Voller & his wife, Debra, recently opened their micro pub – Beer EnGin, Knowsley’s first Micropub, selling a wide range of real ale, gin, craft beers, ciders & wine.
Jeff & his wife both dreamed of working for themselves & owning their own family business, after working for the NHS for years.
Fortunately, with the help of funding provider MSIF (Merseyside Special Investment Fund), the pair were able to make this dream a reality. The funds were provided through a government-backed start up loan programme which aims to help setup new businesses.
Debra said: “MSIF were a great support to us as well as the Women’s Organisation, which helped us with our business plan.
“Our ambition now is to open other micro pubs under the same brand and we’re currently looking at a location in Liverpool.”
Jeff said: “It was important to make sure that we had suitable finances to launch.
“The shop needed a lot of work and the loan helped towards the refurbishment. There was a lot of improvements needed to get the site up to scratch.”
The Beer EnGin also supports other local businesses, with most of their beers & gins being locally sourced.
Debra said: “Our daughter also works here so it’s a real family business.
“We’re all very knowledgeable about our stock which really helps to build a rapport with our customers.
“Something we’re very passionate about is supporting local businesses and many of our beers and gins are sourced locally.”
MSIF investment manager Steve Hitchen said: “It’s always great to see people who want to be self-employed make that idea a reality.”
The Beer EnGin can be found at 9 Greenes Road, Whiston, L35 3RE.