Ferguson Whisky Limited has secured a new £450,000 funding package from Virgin Money with backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), to support the purchase of whisky stock, enabling them to expand operations and meet growing international demand.
Founded in 2021, Ferguson Whisky is dedicated to making the world of rare whisky collecting more accessible, offering unique investment opportunities in whisky casks. Based in Glasgow, the company has quickly established itself as a reputable player in the whisky industry, known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Ferguson Whisky provides a range of services, including the investment in new make whisky or aged stock, and can offer support to customers through the bottling process, making it easier for enthusiasts and investors to navigate the whisky market. Led by its Founder and CEO David Ferguson, the company has built strong relationships with the largest distillers in Scotland, supplemented by partnerships with Brindiamo Group in the US bourbon market and Bravo Whisky Golf in the luxury travel market. Through these connections, Ferguson Whisky not only offers rare casks but also organises exclusive experiences, including distillery tours and bespoke whisky events.
Virgin Money’s Commercial and Trade Finance teams worked closely with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to structure a deal that met the customer’s requirements. UKEF supported Virgin Money in providing a tailored funding package, issuing a General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee which covers 80% of the financing and enabled Virgin Money to complete the transaction. The GEF product is a flexible government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses – especially SMEs – to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth.
David Ferguson, Founder & CEO of Ferguson Whisky Limited said: “We are an independent blender and bottler providing end-to-end whisky services from cask to bottle for customers all over the world. We want the people who come to Ferguson Whisky to have an adventure and experience the best whisky a nation and a culture can create. The support from Virgin Money, with backing from UK Export Finance, will ensure that we can continue to accelerate the business growth internationally and attract more whisky consumers to visit Scotland.”
Craig Wilson, head of FX sales & trade finance at Virgin Money said: “We are delighted to be working with David and his team to support their rapid and successful business growth, and look forward to continuing to help them provide opportunities and experiences to their whisky investor customers. Their business needs a bank that can truly support international trading, and we are honoured that they selected Virgin Money as their banking partner.”
Carol Harvey, UKEF Export Finance Manager for Scotland, added: “This deal is a great example of how UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency and a ministerial government department, can help support small businesses in Scotland. With the Scottish Whisky Awards being held in Glasgow at the end of this month, I couldn’t think of a more apt opportunity to toast to Ferguson Whisky’s success.”