Brewery invests for growth with new premises

COPPER Dragon Brewery has acquired new premises as part of its long term growth plans.

The business, set up in 2002 at Snaygill Industrial Estate in Skipton, brews award winning Yorkshire cask traditional ales and Pilsner’s.

It also runs a visitor centre and bistro at its Skipton headquarters and has purchased the freehold for the Wharfeside Inn in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield using the Government-backed Funding for Lending scheme through Barclays.

Managing director Steve Taylor said: “We used to lease the premises for the Wharfeside Inn but decided to take advantage of the low interest rates and purchase the premises outright – the loan repayments are half the amount we used to pay in rent so it made good business sense to invest now and go for growth.

“The new funding from Barclays also provided a cashback lump sum which gives us flexibility with our working capital going forward.”

Copper Dragon Brewery now employs 50 staff and has a turnover of £5m.
Nick Aldridge, senior business banking manager at Barclays, said: “By participating in the Government-backed Funding For Lending scheme, Barclays is able to pass on the whole benefit we derive to our customers and we are optimistic that people will take advantage of this cheap time to borrow, and like Steve and his team, make the investment decisions that they have been putting off.

“Copper Dragon Brewery is a great example of a well run business thriving and growing despite the current economic challenges.”