Micro gin distillery toasts grant from Lancashire Business Growth Fund

Family-run micro-distillery Batch Brew is to increase production and distribution of its handcrafted, internationally recognised, Batch Premium Gin, thanks to a grant from the Lancashire Business Growth Fund.

Batch Brew is the second Burnley business to benefit from the £8m Lancashire Business Growth Fund (LBGF) pot, which was recently launched to help businesses across Lancashire with business growth projects and is supported by the Regional Growth Fund.

Batch Brew has already gained regional and international recognition, receiving plaudits from such esteemed establishments as Hammonds of Knutsford and the awarding of a Silver Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Phil Whitwell, director at Batch Brew, said: “Since moving from Winchester to Burnley we have been overwhelmed by the support from the council and local business support agencies. Moving to Lancashire was definitely the right decision and the LBGF fund has been a fantastic welcome in assisting the growth of our thriving gin business.

“We’ll be showcasing Batch at the Burnley Gin Festival which takes place at the Burnley Mechanics, our favourite Burnley Gin venue, on the 19th September so come and join us and try our unique brand.” Mandy Lockett, LBGF Programme Manager & International Business Director of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted we’ve been able to support Batch Brew with their distillery, and to help with their growth plans, both domestic and international. The LBGF programme, to provide funds, to help with new machinery, is available for Lancashire businesses to accelerate projects and create jobs.”