Expansion is a dram fine idea

IAN Bankier, the former chief executive of Burn Stewart Distillers who unveiled ambitious expansion plans for The Whisky Shop after purchasing the business for (pounds) 1.5 million in February, opened his 11th store in Edinburgh last week.

The former corporate lawyer plans to double the number of outlets to 20 and expand into England.

Bankier said: "There is a growing appreciation of malt whisky across the UK but especially in England where we believe there is a significant under-developed market. We will plug that gap by opening in the main out-of-town shopping centres as well as in high streets."

Bankier expects The Whisky Shop's turnover to reach (pounds) 4m this year and aims to grow this to (pounds) 20m within five years with additional outlets.

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