(Above – left to right): Roy Crutchley, Andrea Smith, Dustin Grande and Sarah Canning welcomed IoD guests to a tour of the Phipps’ Albion Brewery.

Institute of Directors (IoD) Northamptonshire branch members toasted the return of the Phipps’ Albion Brewery to its historic Northampton roots during a special business networking event on Wednesday 11 June, 2014.

The IoD guests were invited to the brewery on Kingswell Street, Northampton, to sample a selection of classic, locally-produced beers and ales, including Phipps IPA, Red Star, Hoggleys Frosty Ferret, and Northamptonshire bitter.

The occasion also allowed professionals involved in the £1 million brewery purchase and finance deal to discuss how local businesses overcame significant challenges by working together.

Sarah Canning, IoD Northamptonshire Chairman, commented:

“This company is a fine example of the entrepreneurial spirit which is alive and well in Northamptonshire, with people working together to champion new businesses and revive older ones.”

Dustin Grande, Partner at the Northamptonshire accountancy firm, Sawford Bullard, said:

“Working with the brewery’s owners – Alaric and Quentin Neville – and partners we successfully negotiated essential tax requirements and ensured that all the figures were verified and absolute. We also hit on the idea of producing an investors’ brochure to showcase the vision and potential of the site.”

Andrea Smith, Corporate Partner at Franklins Solicitors in Northampton, added:

“Our work included developing agreements to safeguard the interests of 24 investors, the acquisition of Hoggleys Brewery, and addressing a ‘flying freehold’ section of the property which runs underneath the nearby casino.”

Hoggleys brewer, Roy Crutchley, now an investor in the Phipps’ Albion Brewery, said:

“It’s amazing to see how this formerly cold, damp building has been transformed into a beautiful brewery. I was delighted to merge Hoggleys with Phipps, and we’re looking forward to the next steps, which will include a full public bar and shop.”

Further details at:

• IoD Northamptonshire: www.iod.com
• Phipps-NBC: www.phipps-nbc.co.uk
• Franklins Solicitors: www.franklins-sols.co.uk
• Sawford Bullard: www.sawford-bullard.co.uk