Ilkley Brewery bought out of administration

West Yorkshire businessman Graham Smith has agreed an investment deal with local craft brewer Ilkley Brewery, which secures the future of the 15-year-old business and retention of all its staff.

Following an administration process managed by Leonard Curtis, the deal will see brewing continue at Ilkley’s riverside site.

The investment includes the brewing facilities as well as in sales and marketing activities. It ensures that the Ilkley brand, including flagship beer Mary Jane, will continue to be produced in Ilkley and distributed across the UK as well as exported across Europe.

The deal has preserved 11 jobs, including the existing management team headed by locals Luke Raven and Jonny Moore, who will stay on to ensure continuity of service. The local taproom, The Ilkley Tap, which offers beer, breakfast and Sunday Lunch remains unaffected.

Raven 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 pleased 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”.

Joint Administrator Ryan Holdsworth said: “The pre-pack sale has allowed us to transfer the business smoothly and saved a valued brewing company and all the jobs. Ilkley Brewery had established a great reputation in the sector with over 100 awards, multiple export markets and extensive UK distribution. We are delighted to have found a buyer to set it on a positive course for the future.”

New owner Graham Smith said there is a strong future for regional independent brewers.

He added: “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.”

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