Beer Hawk to create 30 new jobs after warehouse relocation

BeerHawk.co.uk founder Chris France (left) with Wharfedale Property Management director, Tim Munns, in the new warehouse unit at Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby

The fast-growing firm, which has expanded from a £150,000 turnover three years ago to a projected £10m turnover this year, is moving its warehouse from Saltergate Business Park in Harrogate to a 12,216 sq ft unit at Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby on a 15-year lease.

Beer Hawk was founded in 2012 by beer lovers Chris France and Mark Roberts who are directors.

The company, which has grown from two to 20 staff, sources 500 of its world beers from 25 different countries, including several craft beers from microbreweries in Yorkshire, and provides next-day delivery to homes throughout the UK.

The Beer Hawk deal means that two thirds of the 37,276 sq ft scheme at Ash Way is now pre-let, with biotechnology company Avacta Group, which relocated to Thorp Arch Estate six years ago, taking 12,800 sq ft for new office and laboratory space.

Beer Hawk, which started with a conversation about the quality of beers which can easily be bought and drunk at home, takes its name from hunting out the world’s best beers.

The company started in 500 sq ft at Hammerain House, Harrogate, and the move to the Thorp Arch Estate will be its fourth expansion and relocation in four years.

Mr France said: “Thorp Arch Estate will be an ideal base for us because of the quality of the new premises, which is being especially reconfigured for us, including a beer tasting bar; the capacity to expand and the estate’s proximity to the motorway network for next-day deliveries.”

He added: “The capacity to expand nearby on the estate was also attractive if we continue to grow as projected.

“We plan to invest millions of pounds into the company in the next few years, including creating 30 new jobs. We also plan to expand our selection of the world’s best beers to 800 and so we will need space for more pallets.”

Tim Munn, director of Wharfedale Property Management, which manages the estate for owner, Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust, said: “Attracting Beer Hawk is another significant coup for us and vindicates the decision to invest in further speculative units.”