Local businessman Graham Smith has agreed an investment deal with Ilkley Brewery, which secures the future of the brewery and retention of all staff.
Following an administration process managed by Leonard Curtis, the deal will see brewing continue at Ilkley’s riverside site.
The fresh injection of capital, which will include investment in the brewing facilities as well as in sales and marketing activities, ensures that the Ilkley brand, including flagship beer Mary Jane, will remain being produced in Ilkley and distributed across the UK as well as exported across Europe.
The transaction has preserved 11 jobs, including the existing management team headed by locals Luke Raven and Jonny Moore, who will stay on to ensure continuity of service and the high standards of quality that are synonymous with Ilkley beers. The local taproom, The Ilkley Tap remains unaffected.
Luke Raven said:
“The last 12 months have been extremely challenging and despite great beers and wide recognition, there was a risk that Ilkley Brewery beers could disappear. I am delighted that Graham has been able to step in and ensure not only continuity but also look ahead to grow the business and build on the excellent work that the brewing and management team have done in the past.
"There remains strong demand for our beers, but the challenges that have beset so many small brewers in recent years were making operations unsustainable.”
According to The Society of Independent Brewers data, over 100 independent breweries closed in 2024, with many more casualties already reported in 2025. However, Graham believes alliances between regional independent brewers offer a way forward for the sector.
Graham said:
“Now is the time for small, independent brewers to stand up and join forces to raise the profile of hand-crafted beer. Now more than ever, there is an opportunity to tap into consumer’s desire to drink imaginative, creative and high-quality beers – beers brewed by hand, by local people, where they can be sure of authenticity and be part of the story.”
Ilkley Brewery will remain a standalone business, but part of the strategy for the future is to forge and develop partnerships with other independent regional brewers with a shared vision. The brewery will continue its laser-like focus on quality and consistency, but remain outward-looking in terms of opportunities, all the while continuing to play an important part in the local economy, and indeed the wider beer industry.
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