Jobs at risk at insolvent brewery
Steven Muncaster and Sarah Bell of business consultancy Duff & Phelps were appointed joint administrators of York Brewery Co. on Wednesday (12 December), after parent company Mitchell’s of Lancaster entered insolvency.
Both a working brewery and a major tourist attraction, York Brewery produced the first traditionally brewed ales from within the walls of York for more than 40 years.
It also operates four public houses; The Last Drop Inn, Mr Foley’s Tap House, The Three Legged Mare, The Yorkshire Terrier and a brewery tap room.
Continue to trade
The brewery and associated pubs will continue to trade while Duff & Phelps seeks a buyer and there has been no redundancies made to the workforce so far.
Commenting on York Brewery’s fall into administration, Muncaster said: “While York Brewery is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, the company has unfortunately continued to face cash flow pressures as a result of difficult conditions which are affecting the leisure industry and pubs across the country.
“We are seeking a buyer and we encourage any interested parties to come forward as soon as possible.”
The past year have seen a number of food and drink firm enter administration, from independent brewers to high profile names in the industry.
Cost pressures
In October, Bolton-based brewer Dunscar has entered into administration following cost pressures in an increasingly competitive industry.
Joint administrators Ian McCulloch and Dean Watson of insolvency and finance consultancy Begbies Traynor were seeking new owners for the company.
Meanwhile, more than 350 staff at high street butcher Crawshaw were made redundant, after the firm appointed administrators. Earlier this month, its 19 remaining stores and a production and distribution facility were acquired by a newly formed company in a £1.4m deal, saving 240 jobs.
