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

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin