Brewery raises a glass to funding boost

A Derbyshire-based brewery has secured £150,000 in funding to create jobs and develop its range of craft beers.

Howard Town Brewery said the cash will enable the business to create five jobs within its hospitality and sales division, create a new social media marketing strategy and develop its range of craft beers sold under its Distant Hills brand.

Glossop-based Howard Town Brewery is an award-winning brewery that produces a selection of cask beers under the Howard Town brand and craft beers under the Distant Hills brand. The business also has its own public tap room at the brewery but supplies its signature beers across many pubs, bars and restaurants in Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire.

Jason Greenway chairman for Howard Town Brewery, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the loan. It provides the business with certainty going forward and enables the team to now push forward with our exciting plans to grow the business.’’

The funding package came from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund East & South East Midlands Debt Finance fund, managed by Maven Capital Partners and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Jonathan Lowe, investment director for Maven, said: “Many businesses have been affected greatly by the challenges brought about by Covid-19, having said this, Maven is pleased to have been able to assist Howard Town Brewery with this funding package, enabling it to achieve it growth plans.”