Client Overview: DropWorks is one of the UK’s fastest-growing rum brands, founded in 2023 by rum expert Lewis Hayes. Based in a 17,000 sq ft distillery in Sherwood Forest, it is now the largest rum distillery in Europe, known for its premium, small-batch British-distilled rum.

In early 2025, DropWorks appointed Graham Appleyard as CEO to lead its next phase of growth. With over 20 years’ experience at global drinks companies including Diageo, Appleyard brings strategic brand- building expertise and a track record of scaling drinks businesses. He joins Hayes, who continues as Founder & Master Distiller, focusing on innovation and product development.

DropWorks has already earned multiple Gold awards at the Spirits Business Rum Masters and is gaining industry recognition for its commitment to quality, transparency, and redefining what British rum can be. With a bold approach to craft and branding, DropWorks is fast becoming a standout name at trade shows and events, championing British rum on the global stage.

The Objective: With a busy calendar of trade shows and industry events, DropWorks needed a flexible and professional display system that could:

• Help them stand out in crowded exhibition spaces
• Be flexible by being able to change the graphics quickly and easily
• Reflect the premium quality and innovation of their brand
• Be easy to assemble and transport for their events team

The Challenge: As a fast-scaling brand, DropWorks often faced changing booth sizes and tight schedules. Their existing set-up lacked impact and versatility, and didn’t reflect the award-winning quality of their products. They needed a backdrop that was not only visually striking, but could also be reused and reconfigured depending on the event.

The Solution: We recommended the Formulate Straight Fabric Display Wall – a sleek, tensioned fabric system available in widths from 2M to 6M. DropWorks selected multiple sizes to suit different event spaces and created custom-printed graphics to showcase their branding and core product range. To complete their setup, DropWorks paired the Formulate display system with last-minute printed flyers, Foamex standees, and business cards, ensuring a cohesive and professional presence even when working to tight event deadlines.

• Key Benefits Delivered:
• Impactful Presence: The seamless, high-quality fabric and clean lines projected a premium, contemporary look that helped DropWorks draw attention at every show.
• Adaptability: With various width options, the display could be easily tailored to suit large or small event stands, maintaining brand consistency throughout.
• Quick Setup: Lightweight push-fit tubing and numbered sections allowed the team to set up quickly without tools, even under time pressure.
• Easy Transport: The system packs down compactly into a carry bag, making it ideal for teams moving between locations.
• Custom Graphics: Graphics were easy to change for new launches or campaigns, with options for double-sided visibility and blockout liners for bright spaces.

Results: The Formulate Straight system gave DropWorks a polished and consistent presence across all their trade shows. The brand reported increased visitor engagement, improved booth visibility, and a more efficient setup process. Most importantly, it gave their marketing team the flexibility to adapt without compromising on quality or impact.

In Summary: DropWorks is a brand on a mission – and with the Formulate Straight Fabric Display Wall, their physical presence now reflects the same innovation and quality found in every drop of their award- winning rum.

“As a new business finding our feet across all sorts of events—trade shows, tastings, pop-ups etc we needed a branded solution that could adapt to different environments. The stretched fabric monolith instantly stood out to us. The versatility was great: we could have 2 designs on each cover, making them incredibly cost- effective and practical. Obtaining new covers for specific messaging was simple and efficient without the need to order a new frame each time.

Gary and the team have been fantastic from day one—always responsive, helpful, and focused on finding the right solution. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone”.

Vicki Georgiou

Head of Marketing – DropWorks

Thank you to Vicki and the DropWorks team for entrusting us with this project.

Visit DropWorks HERE

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