A rescue deal has secured the future of Ilkley Brewery following what its former owner described as an "extremely challenging" year in which debt had become unsustainable.
The craft beer producer, which has been operating for 16 years, has been acquired out of administration by Ilkley-based businessman Graham Smith who is also a director of Roosters Brewery in Harrogate. Mr Smith has promised fresh investment into the business which is known for its range of session beers, pale ales and blonde beers.
Ilkley said the new injection of capital into its brewing facilities - as well as sales and marketing activity - will ensure the brand and its flagship Mary Jane beer will continue to be produced in the West Yorkshire town and distributed across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Europe. A total of 11 jobs have also been saved in the move, which means the existing management team including Luke Raven and Jonny Moore will continue with the business.
Mr Raven acquired the brewery in 2015 via his company Half Full Beer Co having previously worked at Ilkley and co-founded the Sandinista bar in Leeds.
He said: "The last 12 months have been extremely challenging and despite great beers and wide recognition, there was a risk that Ilkley Brewery beers could disappear. I am delighted that Graham has been able to step in and ensure not only continuity but also look ahead to grow the business and build on the excellent work that the brewing and management team have done in the past.
"There remains strong demand for our beers, but the challenges that have beset so many small brewers in recent years were making operations unsustainable."
The local taproom, The Ilkley Tap, remains unaffected. Ilkley Brewery will continue to operate as a standalone business with future plans to develop partnerships with other regional, independent brewers. In a statement to media Ilkley said it will "continue its laser-like focus on quality and consistency, but remain outward-looking in terms of opportunities, all the while continuing to play an important part in the local economy, and indeed the wider beer industry".
Mr Smith said: “Now is the time for small, independent brewers to stand up and join forces to raise the profile of hand-crafted beer. Now more than ever, there is an opportunity to tap into consumer’s desire to drink imaginative, creative and high-quality beers – beers brewed by hand, by local people, where they can be sure of authenticity and be part of the story.â€
