Bristol-based soft drinks company Counter Culture Drinks has signed up the first two charities to its pioneering ownership model that commits 51% of the business’s shares to supporting social and environmental causes.
The Bedminster firm, which makes a range of kombucha-based drinks, is also donating 5% of total sales to charities and civil society organisations that share its values and vision. 
The innovative approach to business comes from is founders’ desire to find an approach that goes beyond traditional corporate and non-profit partnerships.
Through its ‘commercially compassionate’ (CC) share scheme, organisations it works with become an integral part of the business structure and story.
The first two not-for-profit organisations it will support are Alcohol Change UK, which is working towards a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol, and Bristol-based BillyChip, which aims to bridge the gap between the homeless and the public through is a safe and secure street currency.
Counter Culture co-founders Harry McDowell and Tom Smart, pictured below, launched the company two years ago with a mission to not only produce exciting no-alcohol drinks in vibrant packaging that reflects Bristol’s creativity but also to raise at least £1m for non-profit organisations. 
The pair were inspired by the way innovation businesses such as responsible outdoor clothing brand Patagonia and movements like B Corp have changed the conversation around what it means to be a purpose-driven business.
Counter Culture CEO Tom Smart said: “We believe in doing things differently – from the design of our products to the structure of our business and our ultimate aim to empower civil society organisations to create positive change.
“Rather than donating a set amount of money to charities or having one charity partnership, we wanted to make sure that, from the very start, the success of the business would directly benefit our CC shareholders as well as traditional shareholders.”
He said as a young company breaking the mould in the soft drinks space, Counter Culture was passionate about starting conversations with liked-minded people about how businesses and civil society can work together to create greater positive impact.
“We’d love to work with other brands, retailers and customer who share this passion as we continue to grow,” he added.
Research carried out by Alcohol Change UK, which runs Dry January, shows that more than one-in-four people want to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink this year. 
Counter Culture Drinks is keen to support its work to help people transform their relationship with alcohol, while enjoying life to the full.
Alcohol Change UK executive director of income and engagement Danielle Houliston said: “We were honoured to be invited by the Counter Culture team to be a charity share partner and feel that this partnership perfectly reflects our values as an organisation.
“Counter Culture’s kombuchas are a perfect alcohol-free alternative, helping to support people to change the way they drink in the long term.
“We think the concept is an ambitious, innovative, and an inspiring way to support charities.” 
Billy Chip’s ‘street currency’ gives individuals who are experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty a choice of free food, drink and other safe provision.
Its CEO Jon Hope said: ”When we first spoke with Tom at Counter Culture about their business structure and share offer, we got excited immediately, as BillyChip is set up in a similar way.
“Kombucha is new to the market and different, a lot like BillyChip. We also saw a huge synergy between our outlets as potential sellers of Counter Culture drinks and wanted to help.
“We have had incredible support from Bristol and its local businesses, collaborations and working together to achieve a common goal for a better society is in all our interests and the team at Counter Culture share that passion.”
Counter Culture’s range of fermented adult soft drinks are made at its carbon-neutral fermentary and packaged in cans designed by Marta Zubieta, a Spanish illustrator and graphic designer living in Bristol.
Flavours produced so far by the B Corp-pending firm include blackcurrant and star anise, rhubarb and hibiscus, lemongrass and ginger, and grapefruit and hops.
