Brewing Business Success Through Collaboration – Alan from Humber Doucy Brewing

Brewing Success Through Collaboration – Alan’s Story from Humber Doucy Brewing

At our recent Hot Stories business networking event in Cambridge, we had the privilege of hearing from Alan, the passionate founder of Humber Doucy Brewing. Speaking with warmth and humility, Alan shared not just the origin of his craft brewery but the powerful role collaboration has played in its growth and community impact.

Alan opened his talk by introducing Humber Doucy Brewing, a family-run business he co-founded with his son, based near Stowmarket. With pride in his voice, he shared that the brewery has now been running for over seven years—a milestone that felt, in his own words, "absolutely unbelievable."

Their mission has always been to create high-quality, small-batch craft beers. These beers make their way to pubs, clubs, restaurants, and directly into the hands of customers through bottle sales and events. But what truly sets Humber Doucy Brewing apart is not just the taste of its beer, but the business philosophy behind it: collaboration.

Alan's speech captured the very heart of Hot Stories. It wasn’t about flashy achievements, but about how meaningful relationships fuel sustainable business. He walked us through the many ways Humber Doucy Brewing partners with organisations large and small, weaving community and commerce together in a beautifully organic way.

A Brewery Built on Relationships

Humber Doucy Brewing began with a simple goal: to create excellent beer. But as the business grew, Alan and his team discovered that the real magic happens when you work with others.

Alan recounted projects like their collaboration with Willis Towers Watson, a major insurance firm in Ipswich, to mark the 50th anniversary of its iconic Norman Foster-designed building. This wasn’t just about supplying drinks—it was about creating something unique to celebrate a moment in time, with a product that told a story.

There were also partnerships closer to home, like the one with the Food Museum in Stowmarket, where Humber Doucy Brewing developed a limited-edition beer using ingredients like elderberries and nettles. This beer, named “Paris Naizon,” was more than a beverage—it was an expression of heritage, place, and creativity.

They’ve supported the Suffolk Taxi Bus, which conveniently stops at the brewery, and created bespoke beer labels for St Nicholas Hospice in collaboration with Syngenta, a global seed company. These partnerships show a commitment to more than just commercial gain. They reflect a deep-rooted value system where beer becomes a vehicle for connection, charity, and celebration.

Even small IT businesses and local startups have found a willing and enthusiastic partner in Humber Doucy Brewing. For Alan, the size of the business doesn’t matter—what matters is shared values and a genuine desire to create something meaningful together.

Collaboration as a Core Business Strategy

Alan emphasised that collaboration is not a side project or a marketing gimmick. It is central to Humber Doucy Brewing’s business strategy.

Their recent win at the Taste Buds Collaboration Awards speaks to this philosophy. The award recognised a new venture: a co-founded taproom created in partnership with a local gin distillery. This space isn’t just about selling drinks—it’s a hub for community, storytelling, and experimentation.

Alan also shared how the brewery was shortlisted for an award for its work with marketing students at the University of Suffolk. Though they didn’t win that category, he was proud of the experience and what it represented—investing in the future, learning from fresh perspectives, and bridging the gap between academia and real-world business.

"Collaboration," Alan said, "makes total sense." In his world, partnerships aren’t transactions. They’re relationships that help drive all businesses forward.

The Human Side of Business

What made Alan’s talk so memorable was how grounded and sincere it was. He didn’t position himself as a polished speaker. Instead, he spoke as someone who cares deeply about people, craft, and community.

He made it clear that business isn’t just about margins or market share. It’s about making things better for those around you—be they colleagues, collaborators, or customers.

This people-first approach is evident in how the brewery communicates. Their website https://humberdoucybrew.co is filled with stories, warmth, and an open invitation to learn more about their craft.

A Toast to Trust and Visibility

At Gemini Web Media and Hot Stories, we believe in shining a light on the unsung heroes of business—those who work quietly but consistently to build trust, visibility, and impact.

Alan from Humber Doucy Brewing embodies that. He isn’t just brewing beer—he’s brewing community. And by telling his story, we hope more people come to appreciate the value of collaboration in growing not only your business but also your reputation.

If you’d like to learn more about Alan and his amazing work, you can search their company on Google here:
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Grateful Acknowledgements

We are incredibly thankful for our Cambridge location partner: The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, for hosting this session of Hot Stories.

Huge thanks to our talented visual storyteller, Chris Hornby Photography, for capturing the energy and heart of the event through photo and video.

This blog and the Hot Stories platform are proudly organised by Gemini Web Media, and we extend our gratitude to our main sponsor, Blue Line Operations Ltd, for their continued support.