A Glasgow scaffolding and building contractor has swapped hard hats for bottle caps, launching a new vodka brand Blur 69.
William Woodburn founded the business in 2021 after he noticed the shortage of labour within the scaffolding industry.
Blur 69 has already secured partnerships with more than 40 retail outlets and 20 on-trade locations, including bars, clubs, hotels and pubs across the west of Scotland.
It was also used as the official MTV Europe Music Awards Green Room sponsor in Düsseldorf during November.
Five employees now work for the start-up, which is expecting substantial growth throughout this year from event hosting and additional sponsorships.
Part of drinks group Clyde Whisky, established by Woodburn in 2018, Blur 69 vodka is triple distilled in Scotland, with its flavoured vodkas - pineapple, blue raspberry and watermelon - using all natural ingredients.
Woodburn left the army in 2012 to start his own company, while undertaking a modern apprenticeship as a plumber and gas engineer. By 2021, he managed over 80 people, handling trades contracts for a number of building suppliers.
“I really enjoyed the industry, but rising costs and labour shortages were becoming increasingly challenging, so the time felt right to try my hand at something completely new.
“Before I set up Clyde Whisky, I knew nothing about the drinks industry, but once I’ve made up my mind I want to master something, I won’t quit until I’ve perfected it.
“Whisky was my first foray into the market but I saw an opportunity to create something different with Blur 69. “
He added: “Sponsoring the MTV EMA’s was an incredible experience and to see the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Ava Max and Bebe Rexha drinking our product was a real ‘pinch-me’ moment.
“We also have an established partnership with local DJ Cassi from Clyde 1 Radio hosting drinks receptions for MISBERAVIN’ events.”
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