Stoke brewery toasts success after securing refinancing package

TITANIC Brewery is planning for future growth after completing a refinancing deal.

The Stoke pubco and brewer is planning to open more pubs and upgrade its facilities.

Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and is owned by brothers Keith and David Bott who have overseen the company’s growth. It now produces more than 2.3m pints of ale each year.
 
The award-winning beers produced by Titanic are named after shipping history and include Steerage, Iceberg and White Star.
 
Titanic Brewery operates nine pubs including The Bulls Head in Stoke-on-Trent, The Greyhound in Newcastle-under-Lyme, The Cheshire Cheese in Buxton and latterly, a new pub in the portfolio, Ye Olde Kings Arms in Macclesfield.
 
Late last year the brewery announced plans to open 22 new pubs by 2020, focusing on Staffordshire, South Cheshire and Derbyshire. It has also unveiled upgraded facilities including its Titanic Sample Room.

The six-figure funding package was provided by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking under the Government-backed Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS).
As well as adding to its pub estate portfolio, the funding will enable the brewery to work on rolling out new brands of beer and further develop plans to begin brewing its own lager.

The corporate team at North West-based law firm Napthens advised Titanic Brewery on the deal.

James Allison of Napthens said: “The licensed trade has been hit by the same issues as any other sector in recent years and it’s great to see a brewery able to invest in its future in this way.
 
“Titanic Brewery has firmly established itself over the last 30 years as a producer of millions of pints of fine ale, and access to the funding package that Lloyds Bank has provided will mean Keith and David can continue to expand operations and put the company on the map as one of our finest brewers.
 
“It is important that the licensed trade is aware that in this sector there is support available which can assist breweries to deliver their development and expansion plans.”
 
James Todhunter, relationship director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Titanic Brewery has proven that it is possible for firms to both thrive and expand even in highly competitive sectors like food and drink, and this deal will help lay a solid foundation for its future growth.”