Manchester craft beer maker collapses as distress mounts in sector

Manchester-based craft beer brewer and taproom Alphabet Brewing Company has fallen into administration. The company, which had turnover of around £500,000, reported £75,392 in fixed assets, £129,227 in current assets and net liabilities of £473,131 in its accounts for the year to June 30 2021.

Paul Stanley and Jason Greenhalgh of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators to the firm, after previously acting as joint administrators to brewers Beatnikz Republic and Liverpool Organic Brewery. Paul Stanley has warned that businesses in the regional craft ale industry face “huge challenges”, with other companies potentially in similar financial distress.

Alphabet Brewing Company was launched in 2014 and produced a wide range of award-winning craft beers and ales, which were sold in bars, restaurants and at retailers across the region, as well as from its own taproom.

Commenting on the company’s collapse, joint administrator Paul Stanley said: "After exploring all the options available the directors took the decision to place the company into administration. We're currently working on maximising the return for creditors. Alphabet Brewing Company is a well-respected brand that has played an important role in the craft beer scene in Manchester.

Regarding the problems afflicting the wider regional craft brewing industry, Stanley commented: "The regional craft ale industry faces huge challenges. Not only because of the inflation in the cost of raw materials and energy but the competition from multinational beer companies who have the ability to buy emerging brands and flood the market with them by producing them on a national scale. I’m certain more breweries face the same challenges as Alphabet."


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