‘How punk’: BrewDog founder sparks backlash for ‘considering delaying’ wedding for tax relief
BrewDog founder, James Watt, has sparked backlash after polling his LinkedIn followers to determine whether to put off marrying his partner in exchange for a tax break.
Watt and Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo announced their engagement in October after reportedly being introduced to each other at a party in 2023.
The multimillionaire entrepreneur, who has been vocal in his criticism of Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves, now claims to be considering delaying the wedding to avoid paying tax on his investment into his fiancé’s business venture.
Watt, who attended Nigel Farage’s 60th birthday, used the LinkedIn post to announce that he is investing in Wild Pack, a raw dog food business founded by Ms Toffolo, 30.
But in an apparent stumbling block which he claims threatens to put the luxury wedding on ice, Watt wrote: “Should I delay marrying Georgia Toffolo? I need some help guys.
“If I marry Georgia within 3 years of investing, I become a ‘connected person’ under HMRC rules, and I lose the EIS tax relief.”
He asked his followers to vote saying “A) Love always wins - take the tax relief hit” or “B) True love can wait for 3 years - secure the relief”, adding, “Drop your votes in the comments - and if anyone knows about a loophole (Option C) I am all ears”.
One person opting for marriage wrote a wholesome message in response: “As life is sadly all too short, nothing guaranteed and love always wins over. It is priceless and the one true thing that money cannot buy. I would take three happy years of marriage over tax relief any day.”
But a supporter reasoned, “Why not wait... people live together without the paperwork all over the world, many never marry.
“Throw a party swap rings and know deep down that when all the plates, bottles and glasses are cleared away and you snuggle in each other’s arms the Tax man has ultimately paid for the party. Now that makes me happy!! Congratulations on whatever you decide - There’s no real wrong answer!”
Others pointed out that this appeared to be good advertising for his recent investment, while others mocked the so-called punk ethos of his BrewDog brand.
One said: “Has there ever been a more unlikeable guy in the history of beer and/or the internet?”
Another wrote: “Looking to postpone your wedding to enhance your tax break options is definitely a punk thing…”
A third wrote: “How punk.”
The BrewDog founder stepped down as CEO this year to take on the new role of “captain and co-founder” following a string of controversies.
His leadership tenure was marked by controversy, including criticism of BrewDog’s marketing tactics and workplace culture.
In 2021, an open letter from former employees alleged a “culture of fear” and “toxic attitudes” toward junior staff. In 2022, a BBC investigation featured accusations of inappropriate behaviour against him, which his lawyers denied.
Ofcom later rejected claims that the programme had treated him or BrewDog unfairly.
