Yorkshire’s award-winning brew house, Ilkley Brewery, has upped its numbers to 12 with the appointment of three new female members of staff.
Harriet Marks becomes the brewery’s first ever brewster (female brewer); Alexa Jennings takes the role of office manager; and Claire Dunne joins the business as credit controller.
All three appointments reflect the brewery’s continued growth in 2012 which positions it well for further success in coming years. 2012 was also the year Ilkley Brewery beat off competition from 3,000 other small businesses to win the national Local Business Accelerators campaign which saw them win a mentorship programme from Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden. A further six industry awards also graced the brewery’s burgeoning mantelpiece giving the four year old business a global platform which it will use to progress its export plans in 2013.
Speaking about her recent appointment, Harriet commented: “Having worked in viticulture on Australian vineyards prior to this post, I was keen to pursue a career in the drinks industry when I returned home to Yorkshire last year. Here, craft beer is undergoing an exciting revolution and I love being involved in the entire brewing process.
“Back in the pre-industrial age, women were the original ‘brewsters’ so it’s brilliant to be joining Ilkley Brewery alongside two other female beer advocates.”
Alexa Jennings joins Ilkley Brewery as office manager having previously worked at Tax Assist Accountants as an account technician. She will be managing the purchase ledger and month-end procedures as well as the day-to-day co-ordination of the brewery’s operations.
Taking the position of credit controller is Claire Dunne who has an extensive background in the pub trade having previously owned a pub and worked for a number of years with Market Town Taverns. Claire will be responsible for facilitating payments and liaising both with suppliers and customers.
For all the latest from the spa town brewery, visit the brewery’s website www.ilkleybrewery.co.uk or read its blog at www.ilkleybreweryblog.blogspot.com