Woodforde's taken over by private consortium

Hughes worked in a number of managerial positions across commercial and marketing divisions of Diageo, and is currently co-founder of Citra Partners - a capital funding and consultancy firm for the UK brewing industry - as well as acting as an advisor for Real Ale. The group also includes Nick Dolan from local beer specialists Real Ale, and Rupert Fraser, who is representing a group of additional private investors.

Current managing director of Woodforde's, Rupert Farquharson, will continue in the role alongside the other 30 head office members of staff. The brewery was taken on by majority shareholders Dennis Nudd and Mike Betts in 1999 - both of whom will now be retiring.

Nudd said: “After making the decision to retire we sought out the right people for the business, to help Woodforde’s continue to grow and innovate -- and to protect the values and heritage we have built within the business -- we found James, Nick and Rupert to be the natural choice.  Mike and I believe that they will be excellent custodians for the next stage in its development.”

Farquharson said: “I have really enjoyed working with Mike and Dennis over the last few years and continuing the work that they started and I am now looking forward to working with James, Nick and Rupert in the next stage of Woodforde’s development.

"I have known Nick and James for several years and they are both as passionate about Woodforde’s as I am. Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable, as we continue to grow the business.”

The brewery is famous for its Champion Beer of Britain, Wherry - a light, 3.8% ABV bitter - although it has a wide range of beers and styles represented across its range. Founded in 1981, it is the largest brewery in Norfolk with production and its pub site located in the village of Woodbastwick near Norwich.

Multi-award winning Woodforde’s, famous for its Champion Beer of Britain ‘Wherry’, is the largest brewery in Norfolk with a broad range of beers that have established a loyal following in the region, while also gaining recognition nationally. 

Hughes said the consortium intends to build on the firm's current foundations.

"Woodforde’s has established a reputation for high quality beers and have excellent regional distribution as well as wider national sales through major pub chains and operators”, he said.