diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index e04d28ca..e750c0cf 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -69,6 +69,9 @@ Compile and test, build all jars, distribution zips and docs:
 ./gradlew build
 ````
 
+Access to https://repo.spring.io/plugins-release requires authetication.
+The `SPRING_REPOSITORY_USERNAME` and `SPRING_REPOSITORY_PASSWORD` environment variables should be exposed to the build.
+
 Install into your local Maven repository:
 ````
 ./gradlew install
diff --git a/settings.gradle b/settings.gradle
index c1c39e1d..282bceb2 100644
--- a/settings.gradle
+++ b/settings.gradle
@@ -1,7 +1,14 @@
 pluginManagement {
 	repositories {
 		gradlePluginPortal()
-		maven { url 'https://repo.spring.io/plugins-release' }
+		maven {
+			name "spring-plugins"
+			url "https://repo.spring.io/plugins-release/"
+			credentials {
+				username System.env.SPRING_REPOSITORY_USERNAME
+				password System.env.SPRING_REPOSITORY_PASSWORD
+			}
+		}
 	}
 }