Subscribe to our newsletter to receive business tips, learn about new funding programmes, join upcoming events, take e-learning courses, and more.
Take the first step to successfully starting and growing your business.
Join for free)
Posted: Wed 1st Jul 2026
Welcome to Small Business Sessions, brought to you by Enterprise Nation as part of Powering Local Businesses, our collaboration with EDF Small Business and Square.
This series explores the practical steps small businesses can take to grow and thrive – from improving energy efficiency and embracing sustainability to creating a lasting impact in their local communities.
In this episode, we're joined by Rob Wilson, co-founder of Toast Brewing, a brewery that makes craft beer using surplus bread.
Rob shares how Toast Brewing began as a project to raise awareness of food waste, why the team turned surplus bread into beer, and how the business has grown into a mission-led brand stocked by major retailers.
Why food waste is one of the biggest environmental issues the planet is facing
How getting hold of surplus bread is, as Rob puts it, "depressingly easy"
Why Toast donates 1% of revenue or 100% of profits to environmental charities
Attracting investors including National Geographic and Heineken International
Becoming a B Corp and why the process helped Toast improve its internal culture
Expanding internationally through licensing, collaboration and local brewing partnerships
Why Rob believes purpose-led businesses still need to focus hard on product quality
You can also listen on other platforms and Enterprise Nation.
We're helping small businesses thrive on the high street – through expert support, smart energy advice and practical tools to grow sustainably. Get free support now
