Ignition Brewery
1235. Nick O'Shea
1236. Will Evans
Nick O’Shea and Will Evans, from London, co-created ‘Ignition Brewery’, the UK’s first brewery and taproom bar staffed exclusively by people with learning disabilities who all earn the London Living Wage.
Located in Lewisham, ‘Ignition Brewery’ employs and trains people with learning disabilities how to brew great beer, which they sell in the communal taproom. All profits are directed towards supporting activities in the local community.
In a personal letter to Nick and Will, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Together you have taken forward London’s great tradition of helping others by creating ‘Ignition Brewery’ giving employment opportunities to those with learning disabilities and ensuring that they all earn the London Living Wage.
“Your service exemplifies the British spirit of generosity and philanthropy, which brings out the best in us all.”
Nick and Will said:
“We are delighted to be chosen for Point of Light awards which recognises the brilliant team at Ignition. Our brewery is founded on the talents of people with learning disabilities who create fantastically popular beer which is sold as soon as it’s bottled. Our company is sustainable because of their work and we encourage business leaders to see the opportunity that an intellectually diverse workforce can bring.”
Pictured below: the team at Ignition Brewery
