Ferguson Whiskey Limited, a Glasgow-based company specializing in rare whiskey investment opportunities, has secured a £450,000 funding package from Virgin Money, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
The financing will support the purchase of whiskey stocks, enabling the company to expand its operations and meet growing international demand.
Founded in 2021 by CEO David Ferguson, the company aims to make the world of rare whiskey collecting more accessible. Ferguson Whiskey offers a range of services, including investing in new whiskey or old stock, and providing support through the bottling process. The company has built strong relationships with major Scottish distillers and has partnerships with the Prendimo Group in the US bourbon market and Bravo Whiskey Golf in the luxury travel sector. These connections allow Ferguson Whiskey to offer rare casks and organize exclusive experiences such as distillery tours and personalized whiskey events.
Virgin Money’s business and commercial finance teams have collaborated with UKEF to organize a deal tailored to Ferguson Whisky’s needs. UKEF supported the bank by issuing a General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee, covering 80% of the financing and enabling Virgin Money to complete the deal. The GEF is a flexible, government-backed program designed to help UK export businesses, particularly SMEs, access working capital facilities to improve cash flow and accelerate the growth of international trade.
David Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Ferguson Whiskey Limited, said: “We are an independent blender and bottler providing end-to-end whiskey services from cask to bottle to customers around the world. The support provided by Virgin Money, backed by UK Export Finance, will ensure we are able to Continuing to accelerate business growth internationally and attract more whiskey consumers to visit Scotland.
Craig Wilson, Head of Foreign Exchange Sales and Trade Finance at Virgin Money, added: “We are delighted to be working with David and his team to support their rapid and successful business growth. Their businesses need a bank that can truly support international trade, and we are honored that they have chosen Virgin Money as their banking partner.”
“This deal is a great example of how UK export finance can help support small businesses in Scotland,” concluded Carol Harvey, Export Finance Director at UKEF in Scotland. “With the Scottish Whiskey Awards taking place in Glasgow at the end of this month, I couldn’t Think of a more appropriate opportunity to toast the success of Ferguson Whisky.