Leeds brewery expands production and jobs with HSBC SME funding

A Leeds-based brewery is set to expands its production capabilities and workforce following seven-figure support from HSBC UK.

Northern Monk, based in Holbeck, has used the funding from HSBC UK to acquire a BrauKon 60HL Brew House, increasing the brewery’s production capacity by 280 per cent, amounting to an extra two million gallons of beer per year.

The expansion will provide Northern Monk with the capacity to create up to 14 new jobs, in roles operating the new brew kit, as well as within the expanding business operations. The brewery will use its increased brewing capacity to aim to grow its volume of exports by 50 per cent over the next 12 months.

The funding was allocated from HSBC UK’s national SME Fund intended to help British businesses innovate and grow as the country looks to recover from the pandemic.

Russell Bisset, founder and managing director of Northern Monk said: “This expansion will help us service the increase in demand for our products that we have been experiencing solidly over the past few years.

“The new brew kit will give us the opportunity to create lots of new beer and service larger contracts, whilst maintaining our commitment to high quality brewing.”

Andrew Bennett, area director for South & West Yorkshire, Business Banking at HSBC UK, said: “We are pleased to support Northern Monk and fund the latest development of an incredibly exciting business.

“As the hospitality trade continues to reopen globally, we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow both domestically and internationally.”

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