Brewery expands into larger premises with five-figure BEF investment

Wilde Child Brewing is relocating to new premises in Armley, Leeds as it looks to expand its beer production.

To complete the move, the brewery secured funding from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) on the advice of accountancy firm Garbutt + Elliott.

The new 2,000 sq ft premises will enable the brewery to increase its production by five times, from three barrels a week to 15, with the first beer brewed at the new facility expected to be available from February 2018.

Garbutt + Elliott advised Wilde Child Brewing founder and owner, Keir McAllister-Wilde, on the funding deal and the firm has also been appointed to provide a range of accountancy and financial services to support the development of the company.

Keir McAllister-Wilde, who launched Wilde Child Brewing in 2016, said: “Since launching, the demand for our products has been extremely high and I have been looking at ways to expand the operation and keep pace with orders.

“The Start Up Loans investment provided by the BEF will allow me to fulfil my ambitious growth plans, which includes relocation to the new facility, employing more people and expanding our customer base outside of Yorkshire.

“As well as relocating I’m also considering the possibility of opening a tap room where customers visiting our new home can sample our products.

“The advice from Garbutt + Elliott has been vital in helping us secure the funding we needed to make this step and take the brewery to the next level.

“The ideas, guidance and expertise I’ve received from Matthew Grant, who really is an expert in the brewery sector, has been invaluable and his contribution will continue to help us achieve our ambitious aims of further development and growth in the future.”

Matthew Grant, partner and head of business services at Garbutt + Elliott, added: “This is a very exciting time for Wilde Child Brewing, with several key accounts with recognised pub chains secured, a new premises and the opportunity to increase production.

“We are pleased to have assisted in securing the funding. With our appointment to provide further business planning and accountancy services, we look forward to working with Keir and helping the business continue its impressive growth.”

The BEF is a not-for-profit social enterprise, set up to provide loans to SME businesses across the North East of England, as well as North and West Yorkshire, Humberside and North Lincolnshire that will help them thrive and grow when other lenders can’t fully assist.

Andy Clough, investment manager at BEF, commented: “It’s fantastic to see another successful Yorkshire micro-brewery growing. Through Matthew’s introduction, I’m delighted to have helped, and look forward to seeing more Wilde Child beer in bars and beer shops across the country.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →