West Yorkshire brewery facing liquidation 'major cause for concern'
According to a notice published in the official public record The Gazette, a virtual meeting of creditors of the brewery is being proposed later this week (Friday 16 February).
Resolutions to be considered at the creditors’ meeting will include the appointment by creditors of a liquidator.
A shareholders meeting has been called and will be held before the virtual creditor meeting, to consider passing a resolution for the voluntary winding up of the business.
Elland Brewery was founded in 2002 originally as Eastwood and Sanders Fine Ales. Following the amalgamation of The West Yorkshire Brewery and The Barge and Barrel Brewing Company, it renamed as Elland Brewery in 2006.
In August last year, the West Yorkshire-based business took the coveted title of Champion Beer of Britain with its 1872 Porter at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s Great British Beer Festival.
Major cause for concern
The same brew was awarded CAMRA’s Winter Champion Beer of Britain for three years in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
CAMRA responded to the news Elland Brewery is facing liquidation as well as reports Adnams is looking at ways in can bolster funding.
Chairman Nik Antona said: “To hear Elland Brewery is facing liquidation just six months after its 1872 Porter was crowned CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain is a major cause for concern.
“This, coupled with the reports Adnams has been working with a management consultancy to explore options to shore up its finances – including the possibility of an injection of private capital – is a one-two punch at the heart of the UK brewing industry.
“The news raises the issue of fair competition, access to market and consumer choice. CAMRA does not want any brewery or cider producer to close their doors for good – be it a contemporary small independent brewer or larger family-owned establishments with decades of history.
“The worrying news that two prestigious, award-winning breweries are facing pressure to remain trading and survive is indicative of the wider problems the brewing and pub trade are experiencing.”
Show support
CAMRA alongside the Society of Independent Brewers and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain, is calling on the Government to increase draught relief to 20% from its current figure of 9.2% in the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget.
Antona added: “Cutting tax specifically on draught beer and cider in pubs would encourage people to support their community local and help secure jobs and businesses in the pub and beer sector – particularly small and independent breweries that sell more of their products into pubs and taprooms.
“CAMRA is encouraging everyone to email their MPs, asking them to support the ‘Make It 20%’ campaign and call on the Government to show their support for pubs, social clubs, breweries and cider producers.”
