Little Brew thinks big as it switches to York

They both played significant roles in the early years of the railway, but other similarities are hard to find. A microbrewery based in Camden Town plans to move to a base in York city centre before the end of the year, because the entrepreneur behind the business, Stu Small, believes Yorkshire offers more opportunities for an ambitious firm.

Mr Small’s business – Little Brew – is using a crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube, to raise money for his business.

Mr Small said: “Brewing is my passion. It has been amazing getting the business off the ground in London but I’m really excited about bringing our range of finely crafted artisan ales to one of the best cities in the country.

“We’ve been looking to expand the brewery and we wanted to find the right place. We felt confident that this location (York) would be able to provide a customer base. York is an amazing opportunity. It’s a fascinating place.”

Mr Small, who established the brewery at a unit in Camden Town two years ago, said he wanted to create good quality jobs.

He added: “If you pay somebody well they’ll work well for you.”

The former environmental professional added: “Sustainability is at the heart of Little Brew. For me, this means using local suppliers and British ingredients while creating jobs and being a positive part of the community.”

A statement on Little Brew’s website describes the company as a “small but perfectly formed local microbrewery producing exquisite artisan ales”.

It added: “The majority of our beer is intended to be enjoyed locally.

“Just like every neighbourhood needs a baker and a flower shop, we believe you need a local brewer or two.”

Under Little Brew’s expansion plans, investors can put in as little as £100 to receive a share in the business, as well as a “generous amount” of beer. Larger investors will be rewarded with the opportunity to design and name a beer. The brewer’s ales feature in the CAMRA Good Bottled Beer Guide.

Potential investors should visit the Crowdcube page:http://www.crowdcube.com/investment/little-brew-13197