microbrewery started in the cramped living room of an ex-council flat has grown into a million-pound business that has weathered the alcohol industry's biggest ever storm.
Andrew Birkby, 35, and William Harris, 32, launched Wildcard Brewery after making their own beer from a home brew kit.They took a shot in the notoriously difficult industry by maxing out a £2,000 personal credit card and rented equipment at an Essex brewery in 2012.Eight years on, and with the help of one of the UK's few female master brewers, Jaega Wise, Wildcard is now an award-winning business turning over more than £1.2 million per year.