London Distillery Co co-founder dismissed over ‘tax concerns’

The London Distillery Company has terminated its contract with co-founder Darren Rook due to alleged “concern over the tax affairs of the business”, which is under investigation.

The company, which makes Dodd’s Small Batch Organic Gin and Kew Organic London Dry Gin, released a statement explaining the board decided to end Rook’s employment on 18 December 2017.

It continued that the matter is currently under investigation and HMRC has been notified.

The statement said: “The company has enjoyed record sales since the appointment of a new management team in October 2017 and their focus on improving processes, governance and operating margins contributed to the discovery of this issue.

“We have taken legal advice and are unable to share any further details at this time.”

Killian O’Sullivan, recently appointed The London Distillery Company CEO, said: “Darren is a valued part of our legacy and we will always be grateful for his contributions and what he helped the business to accomplish.”

London Distillery Company, founded in 2013, last year revealed plans to move from Bermondsey to Battersea Power Station.