Wells & Co., the independent brewer and pub company, has said it is looking to the future with the launch of The Beyond Beer Collective, a new venture focused on exploring and developing opportunities for future growth.

The business, which is marking 150 years of family ownership, stated that beer and brewing will remain at the heart of the firm but the new collective will create dedicated space to explore what else could complement its pubs, its brewery and the wider business.

According to Wells & Co. its focus will be deliberately broad, exploring new products, experiences and opportunities beyond the existing business, inspired by how people are choosing to eat, drink and socialise.

At the heart of this is Brewpoint, Wells & Co.’s state-of-the-art brewery and production facility in Bedford, which brings together modern brewing and packaging capabilities with an experienced team and long-standing relationships across the pub and brewing industries.

The Beyond Beer Collective will build on that platform, bringing together internal and external expertise, including its partnership with Muntons, to explore new ideas, test opportunities and learn what has the potential to grow.

Peter Wells, chief executive of Wells & Co., said: “Throughout 150 years of family ownership, Wells & Co. has continued to evolve. Each generation has responded to changing tastes and new opportunities while staying true to what makes us distinctive.

“Beer and brewing will always be at the heart of who we are, but we’re also curious about what comes next. The Beyond Beer Collective gives us the freedom to explore new ideas, learn what resonates with guests and back the opportunities we believe have real potential. “

“As we celebrate our first 150 years, it feels like the right time to look ahead and ask where the next opportunities might come from.”