Funding boost for Pulborough brewery hard-hit by lockdown

A cash boost has been given to an award-winning Pulborough brewery whose business has been hard-hit by the Covid-19 lockdown.
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Hepworth Brewery, established more than 20 years ago, has received a £500,000 ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan’ and an overdraft extension from HSBC UK.

The funding will enable the company to protect 30 local jobs and adapt its business to deliver beer directly to customers as well as start to plan to supply pubs again as the hospitality sector prepares to reopen.

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In late March, the company, which supplies national retailers such as M&S and the Coop, lost 75 per cent of its business overnight because of the pandemic as suppliers and the hospitality sector temporary closed.

Andy Hepworth, managing director of Hepworth Brewery SUS-200630-155558001Andy Hepworth, managing director of Hepworth Brewery SUS-200630-155558001
Andy Hepworth, managing director of Hepworth Brewery SUS-200630-155558001

HSBC says the new loan will help the brewey to cover business costs and lost income streams.

It says the funding also supports the business’s move to sell beer online to local customers in the West Sussex area - a vital income stream allowing the brewery to continue generating orders despite government restrictions.

Hepworth will now also use the funding to prepare to supply pubs again as the hospitality industry plans to reopen to the public.

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Brewery managing director and head brewer Andy Hepworth said: “With the hospitality sector having largely been at a standstill, a lot of our regular clients are no longer trading, which has had a huge impact on our earnings and growth.

Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough SUS-200630-155632001Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough SUS-200630-155632001
Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough SUS-200630-155632001

“There is still some uncertainty in the industry about when pubs and restaurants will be open for business again, but we are preparing for July 4.”

He said the loan would enable the brewery “to support staff, customers and the business for the next six-month period, ensuring we can survive throughout these difficult times.

“The loan has also given me personal confidence that our business will fully recover.”

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Andrew Steer, area director for Sussex and Surrey at HSBC UK, added: “Over 20 years of experience has seen Hepworth Brewery establish itself as one of the most well-known and respected names in the craft beer industry.

“We were pleased to be able to support the business despite these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing the business not only recover from this difficult period but continue to grow.”

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