thirsty work: Ilkley Brewery makes it to the national Accelerators final

Get the beers in! A brewery backed by the Yorkshire Post has seen off competition from 3,000 other companies to make the national finals of the Local Business Accelerators competition, writes Bernard Ginns.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2012, 07:00 BST

The Ilkley Brewery is one of 12 finalists in the Newspaper Society initiative to boost Britain’s most promising new businesses, which has been supported by 500 newspapers across the UK.

Each newspaper invited entries and with judging panels of local business people selected three winners each to receive free advertising and mentoring.

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Our panel, featuring Gordons senior partner Paul Ayre, Hunters estate agent MD Kevin Hollinrake and JCT600 motors chief executive John Tordoff, picked Ilkley Brewery, telecoms specialist Liquid Voice and food manufacturer Proper Maid out of 52 entries.

Based on the strength of brand and quality of product, the Yorkshire Post nominated Ilkley Brewery for the next round of judging and today can reveal that the company has been named regional winner. The brewery, whose directors include Chris Ives (above), said: “We are thrilled to be selected.” Mentor Mr Tordoff added: “They’ve created a great brand and a great business.”

The national winner gets mentoring from Deborah Meaden of BBC show Dragons’ Den.

Related topics:Kevin HollinrakeYorkshire PostBritain