Independence. It's a word that conjures up lots of emotions.

When independent breweries sell-up to global beer businesses, many supporters and followers feel a wide range of feelings; everything from a slight tinge of sadness to complete and utter betrayal.

But is independence really that black and white? How can we fully know where our produce comes from? Can we really slam a business for selling out to a world-wide conglomerate from the comfort of our Nike shoes whilst using our iPhones?

In this episode, Nick talks to independent bottle-shop owner, Jules Gray of Hop Hideout and Sheffield's Indie Beer Feast, about the importance of independence within the trade, and why transparency is the key to maintaining good relationships throughout the customer journey.

Today's show is sponsored by BIG: a beer festival celebrating the new wave of UK craft breweries destined to grow large; we’re personally inviting breweries we believe are delivering diverse, complex, amazing beers but aren’t invited to some of the well-known festivals because, well… they’re not ‘big’ yet!

Book tickets today at https://eyesbigfest.eventbrite.co.uk