Ilkley Brewery saved from closure by investor

A craft brewery has been saved from closure after an investor stepped in to secure its future.

Ilkley Brewery, which produces beers such as Mary Jane in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, and distributes them across the UK and Europe, went into administration before a deal was reached with local businessman Graham Smith.

Administrators Leonard Curtis said the investment from Mr Smith would safeguard 11 jobs, including the management team of Luke Raven and Jonny Moore.

The brewery's taproom, The Ilkley Tap, which opened on The Grove in September, remains unaffected.

Mr Raven said: "The past 12 months have been extremely challenging and despite great beers and wide recognition, there was a risk that Ilkley Brewery beers could disappear."

He said he was "delighted" that Mr Smith had stepped in to help secure the future of the business.

"There remains strong demand for our beers, but the challenges that have beset so many small brewers in recent years were making operations unsustainable," Mr Raven said.

Mr Smith said it was time for "small, independent brewers to stand up and join forces to raise the profile of hand-crafted beer".

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