Indie Oxford Stories: Tess Taylor at Tap Social

How would you describe your business in a sentence?

Founded in 2016, Tap Social is a brewing, baking, and hospitality social enterprise that reduces reoffending through the meaningful employment of prison leavers.

What first inspired you to start your business – was there a lightbulb moment?

Having worked with people with criminal records for several years, I wanted to do something that had a more day to day impact on individual lives and to inspire other business leaders to do the same.

How did you actually get started?

My sister, brother-in-law, and I rented an industrial warehouse in Botley, bought a secondhand brewery, and set up a work programme with a local open prison. Nine years later, we’ve created more than 108,000 hours of paid employment for nearly 70 prison leavers in total, have five venues, and are opening a sixth in spring 2026.

What felt most daunting about starting out, and how did you overcome it?

The unknown – we didn’t know how the business would be received by the public, how much support there would be for it, how it would grow etc. We’ve gone through a ton of personal growth and development and have become very resilient after many challenges.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Remaining positive and forward-thinking throughout all of the challenges that come. It feels like we’re constantly firefighting issues and having to pivot and make quick decisions, and that can be very exhausting and stressful.

What has been your proudest moment?

Without a doubt, seeing progression for the guys that we work with from the prison. It’s really motivating and inspiring to see someone journey from being inexperienced and underconfident to thriving, learning new skills, and feeling positive and confident at work. I’ve also felt very proud about getting our beer into Waitrose – having our products stocked in nearly 250 stores nationwide is an amazing opportunity to shout about our mission and what we do, and is a testament to our brilliant brewers and their talent!

What is the biggest lesson you have learned about running a business?

Be resilient! It’s very easy to feel completely overwhelmed and deflated when things get tough, but it’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…! I’ve definitely grown a thicker skin and feel like I’ve become much tougher and more confident about pushing through the hard times.

What’s next for you and the business? 

A new venue in 2026, continued growth of our impact hours, and more advocacy and campaigning for change in the prison system.

How can people support you right now?

Visit our venues, buy our products, and spread the word about what we do! And next time you’re in Waitrose – please pick up a can of our beer!

What is your favourite thing about running a business in Oxfordshire?

The community is incredible – everyone is so interested, supportive, and eager to help out.

Who in the Independent Oxford community inspires you?

So many people! Rosie for driving this community forward while also pushing for indie support at council level, Fiona Cranston at Cranston Pickles for spreading joy through delicious food and community, Sarah Jordan at Y.O.U. Underwear for being one of the highest ranking B Corps and all around impressive.

What does being part of the Independent Oxford community mean to you?

It’s about community, understanding, and mutual respect – learning from each other, being able to offer support/guidance/tips, supporting each other’s businesses, and knowing you’re not alone when times get tricky!