Scott Wilson-Laing, 33, from Sunderland, was inspired to launch WL Distillery after developing a passion for sampling local delicacies whilst volunteering as an archaeologist overseas.Having spent three years studying and travelling in destinations such as Pompeii, in Italy, Cyprus, Turkey and Germany, Scott returned home.After years working in a number of 9am-5pm roles, he decided to fuse his love for the North East with his passion for producing and sampling niche local drinks.Scott said: “When I was in Malta, they made their own spirits from cactus plants. “In Cyprus, I lived in a village where the local priest grew his own olives and made his own spirits and I loved watching people make it.“A Spanish wine reminds you of a holiday or a Raki that reminds you of Turkey, I want to create something that bottles up and gives people a real flavour of the North East, something that is reminiscent and evocative. That’s what inspired me to launch WL Distillery.”Initially producing a signature gin – which is set to be released early next year - WL’s products will use fresh, premium ingredients such as blackberries, pears and apples to produce handmade, small-batch gin. “The first flavour we’re going to produce is inspired by the Great British garden,” Scott added. “Apples, pears, blackberries, raspberries. I want to produce something reminiscent of growing up in the North of England.”Scott has been supported throughout his start-up journey by the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), in Wearfield, Sunderland, working with experienced business advisor Ron Anderson and attending a series of workshops and masterclasses on everything from financial planning to ‘an introduction to Instagram marketing’.Scott, who lives in Farringdon and attended Thornhill School, added: “Ron was my business advisor and has been great. He really knows his stuff. “He has set up a fair few businesses in his time so it’s nice to have someone experienced to bounce ideas off.” A website for WL Distillery, based at South Hetton, is set to launch soon with customers able to pre-order limited edition, individually numbered hand-signed bottles of its first signature gin. Mr Anderson said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Scott and supporting him on his journey so far. “The passion he has for not only the region’s culture, but also for distilling, is clear for anyone to see and we wish him all the best for the future.” For more information on the BIC, visit https://www.ne-bic.co.uk