Cains faces HMRC winding up order

The order comes a month after the group closed its supermarket own label brewing and canning operation as it prepares to submit plans for a multi-million pound tourism, leisure and retail scheme at its city centre site.

At the time, the group, which was previously placed into administration in 2008, said the move would not impact its Cains brand and pub operations but follows increased competition in the supermarket sector. A total of 38 employees have been made redundant.

Managing director Sudarghara Dusanj said: “The own label brewing and canning business for the supermarket industry has been deteriorating for some time because of competition from modern, purpose-built operations, many of them overseas. We have been working with our professional advisors in an attempt to restructure and continue this part of the business but it has not been possible.

“It is with regret, therefore, that all own label brewing and canning business for supermarkets has ceased with immediate effect. We would like to thank our staff for their dedication and hard work over the years and to wish them the very best for the future. Our plans to redevelop the site are progressing in a very positive manner and are unaffected by this move.”

Cains said earlier this year that it would look to add to its pub estate after completing a planned £50m project to develop its Liverpool brewery into a major tourism, leisure and retail destination.

The company will be submitting plans in the summer for the scheme, which will include the development of a national visitor destination and create 800 jobs.

The scheme, called Brewery Village, would see the restoration of the historic Grade II listed building to its former glory, housing the traditional Cains craft brewery and tour with a spectacular ‘Sky Bar’ in the roof which would offer views over the city and the River Mersey.