Lakes Brew Co toasts to launch thanks to support from Napthens

By Napthens

15 Mar 2021

Website
lakesbrewco.jpg

Leading North West law firm Napthens has supported the founders of Lakes Brew Co in establishing a new brewery set to focus on the thriving independent beer scene in the North West.

Founders of Lakes Brew Co, Matt Clarke, Michelle Gay, Steve Ricketts and Paul Sheldon, are an award-winning team that have previous experience at Hawkshead Brewery, BrewDog and Heineken UK. Following the challenges of the pandemic, they have now reunited to establish a new progressive and innovative brewery focused on an ethos of support and collaboration. 

Lakes Brew Co will create a range a modern beer styles, focusing on freshness and quality, as well as the use of innovative ingredients and new hop varieties. Collaboration will sit at the heart of the business with partnership with other artisanal Cumbria-based food and drink businesses a top priority. 

Steve Ricketts, co-founder and managing director at Lakes Brew Co, said: “In the past 12 months we’ve seen our sector go through huge challenges, but we made the decision to use the adversity we have faced to create something fresh and new. 

“Despite the team having more than 60 years’ combined experience in breweries and hospitality, this is the first time we’ve set up our own business.  The guidance and support that Jamie and his team at Napthens have provided throughout the process has been invaluable. Being lawyers to the UK’s largest beer trade association (SIBA), the team’s experience in the brewing world and knowledge of Cumbria was second to none. Napthens have been an essential partner in this process and we look forward to working with them as we grow.”

Napthens assisted Lakes Brew Co in forming the company, setting up corporate governance structures and ensuring the company’s intellectual property is protected. Napthens was also integral in the company securing premises in the heart of Kendal, at Mintsfleet Industrial Estate. The site houses a bespoke 16hl SSV brew kit and MicroCan CL5 canning line. The company also has ambition to host a pop-up tap room which will provide fresh off-the-line beer to the significant number of craft fans in the Lake District. 

Jamie Allison, head of Cumbria and real estate at Napthens, added: "We’ve had a strong working relationship with Matt, Steve and Michelle for many years so it’s fantastic to be able to support them in forming their own brand. We are delighted to have provided such a range of support to the team and help them secure a location that will see the business thrive as we emerge from what has been a difficult 12 months for the sector. 

"The team will bring a collaborative approach, a desire to work with other F&B manufacturers in the county and flare in the sector is nationally recognised. We look forward to seeing the company grow and visiting the pop-up tap room as soon as we’re able."

Lakes Brew Co is working to have its first beers ready in June, available in Can, Keg and Cask.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Napthens

Latest news

1

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans Waste recycling Blackpool

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans

01 Jul 2025

2

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries Graham Engineering

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries

01 Jul 2025

3

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted Training 2000

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted

01 Jul 2025

4

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons Colin Fisher, Paul Fox CEO and Gary Fisher.

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons

01 Jul 2025

5

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners Dean Curtis and Joe Diston

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners

01 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin