A Newcastle entrepreneur who launched a low-calorie canned cocktail business after losing her job during lockdown has won a £50,000 UK accelerator programme.
Siobhan Linney, 30, of Gosforth, set up Thirsty Gal after the pandemic led to her losing her self-employed waitressing jobs, and she realised there was a gap in the market for a low-calorie cocktail alternative. Ms Linney researched online how to make her own range, then enlisted a company to create the 90-calorie concoction. Since then, Thirsty Gal cans have proved popular with nightclubs and festivals.
The drinks have now won the top prize in the Brew Accelerator programme, designed to support the growth of start-up drink brands, beating competition from North West based craft beer firm Spookton Brew Co and Edinburgh-based non-alcoholic spirit Talonmore. The prize includes a year of mentoring and guidance, valued at £50,000.
