Tell us about your business
The Craft Beer Collaborative Ltd Trading as IndustryTap on Sidney Street is a fully independent craft Beer bar serving not only local beers but those from smaller breweries around the UK and beyond. Priding itself on bringing the unusual to Sheffield I work closely with breweries to showcase their beers. Proud to be in Sheffield and part of the beer scene within this great city, I love to support other small businesses, it feels like a real sense of community.

How did you hear about the support available via the University?
Since opening in 2019 we always wanted to support the city and the students that were studying here. During our first year and finding our feet as a small business we weren't able to help and support. As soon as the pandemic has eased and I was able to offer placements with the support of James and the team we successfully accomplished this offering and placing 2 interns.

What key skills were you seeking in your new recruit?
As a small business, time is very precious and support in social media and digital content was vital for me to get the brand out wider than just the local beer community.  

How did your new recruit support your business?
Placing 2 interns has allowed IndustryTap to build its online presence in a real tangible way seeing insights increase on a weekly basis, utilising the skills of the interns this has been a real joint effort encouraging different perspectives whilst still maintaining the brand identity that has been built.

How easy was it to access the University support?
It was really easy to access the support and James and the team are always there to help to make it seamless.

What are your businesses ambitions for the future?
IndustryTap has survived the pandemic and with a newer focus around digital content I can see the business not only surviving but growing allowing more opportunities and further strengthening the relationship between the Tap and the University.

What advice would you give SMEs in the region who have not accessed the Universities services before?
Go for it.

Darren Filsell 
Company Director, Industry Tap