Collaboration is at the heart of what we do here at the Chamber. It is a driving force in today’s business world, and nowhere is this more evident than in the story of BUNKUM Rum, a premium spirit brand founded in 2020 by brothers Alfie and Toby Jourdan. The brothers set out to revolutionize the rum industry with their BUNKUM Spiced and BUNKUM Blood Orange & Lime Rums. Through networking and building strong relationships with fellow members of the Chamber, BUNKUM has raised its brand awareness and expanded its reach.
Through attending our networking events, BUNKUM met Sherrards Solicitors, and they have collaborated on a number of occasions. Sherrards were headline sponsor of our St George’s Day Luncheon in 2022 and partnered with BUNKUM to provide a miniature bottle of rum to every guest at the event. This allowed BUNKUM to showcase their product to an engaged audience of 350 people which led to other members using BUNKUM for their corporate gifting needs with companies giving BUNKUM Rum as Christmas gifts to their clients and employees. BUNKUM also provided welcome drinks for an event Sherrards was hosting. This shows the power of collaboration; one event led to multiple business opportunities, showing how visibility and word-of-mouth can drive success in the local business community.
BUNKUM is an excellent example of the more you put in, the more you get out. By attending our events, they have met members who have become stockists of their products including new member The Pink Elephant, a luxury event styling brand, which now offer BUNKUM Rum as part of their drinks offering.
Aside from growing his business, Alfie recognised the importance of the future leaders of our business community having their own space to connect and network and build their own relationships early on in their careers. He is passionate about supporting the next generation of business leaders and is on the Committee for our Young Chamber which provides a forum for recent graduates, budding entrepreneurs and young professionals to build their confidence, develop their skills and create and expand their network.
BUNKUM Rum’s story is a powerful example of how collaboration and networking can unlock opportunities for visibility and growth – the more you invest in collaboration, the more you gain in return—proving working together does make everyone stronger.
Inspired by BUNKUM Rum’s success? Join the Chamber and experience the power of collaboration and networking for your business. Find out more about membership here, or email us directly at hello@stalbans-chamber.co.uk.
