Cheers! Artisan breweries secure £132K BEF loan as 'booming' industry continues to grow

Four artisan breweries are planting seeds for expansion after securing financial support from business lender the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

The breweries, including York-based Rudgate Brewery, have received a combined funding boost of more than £132K from BEF, a social enterprise offering funding and mentoring for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East.

Rudgate Brewery, based in the Vale of York, has worked with BEF for more than three years. A recent NPIF loan of £45K was given to help Rudgate Brewery secure a range of bottled beer for Virgin Trains.

Craig Lee, managing director at Rudgate Brewery, said: “Backing from BEF has been fundamental for our growth plans, arranging finance and top-ups to support our expansion after we secured deals with Wetherspoons and Greene King.

“The funding allowed us to develop our vast selection of core and seasonal beer through investment in staff and equipment.”

Huddersfield-based Lords Brewing and Gateshead-based Great North Eastern Brewing have also received BEF funding for recruitment, equipment, transport and ingredients.

In addition, the UK’s first wheat beer brewery, Eyes Brewing in Leeds, approached BEF for funding after two years of home brewing to develop its products.

Stephen Waud, group chief executive at the Business Enterprise Fund, added: “The craft brewing industry is booming and never more than in Yorkshire and the North East.

“BEF has the funding and the expertise to play an instrumental role in supporting the expansion of several breweries which have true entrepreneurial spirit at their heart and a real head for business.

“We’re simply facilitating their growth and looking forward to watching their continued success in this incredibly competitive market place.”

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