Former policeman to launch new micro-brewery in the autumn

A POLICEMAN-TURNED-ENTREPRENEUR is to launch a new real ale micro-brewery in the autumn.
Matthew Grant of Garbutt & Elliott, and Andy Herrington of Ainsty Ales in YorkMatthew Grant of Garbutt & Elliott, and Andy Herrington of Ainsty Ales in York
Matthew Grant of Garbutt & Elliott, and Andy Herrington of Ainsty Ales in York

Former York policeman Andy Herrington has set up Ainsty Ales and plans to unveil a trial brew to the public at the Copmanthorpe Carnival on June 28, ahead of the official launch later in the year.

The company is being supported by the Brass Castle Brewery in Malton, where trial brewing is taking place.

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Mr Herrington said: “The Brass Castle Brewery is allowing me to do some Cuckoo Brewing, whereby I pay to use the spare capacity at the brewery whenever it’s available. As a start-up, this is incredibly helpful.”

Mr Herrington is also being supported by accountancy firm Garbutt & Elliott, which has offices in York and Leeds.

He said: “I’ve known Matthew Grant, director of Garbutt & Elliott, since childhood. Garbutt & Elliott have worked with a number of other local breweries and Matthew himself is a senior member of CAMRA in York, so they ticked all the boxes.

“Garbutt & Elliott have provided advice on tax and all financial aspects of starting up a business. The advice has proved invaluable. It’s daunting starting up a business, particularly if you’re doing it alone.”

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Mr Grant added: “Andy is enthusiastic, courageous and passionate and he loves his beer, which I think is the perfect combination of characteristics for a great brewer.

“Once Ainsty Ales is fully up and running, we hope Andy will take part in the Growth Accelerator programme, which provides financial support and business coaching to help ambitious businesses to achieve rapid and sustainable growth.

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