Hancock, who co-founded the Redwell Brewery brand, stepped away from the business last year when previous owner Craft Brewing Company was forced into administration.
Speculation had been rife about the brewery’s future, after a classified advert was placed on the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) website in November. The advert offered potential investors the chance to buy “an East Anglian-based award-winning craft brewery” for an offer in excess of £30,000.
However, the brewery was purchased by a team of local investors and, with a new management team and head brewer at the helm, is currently fulfilling orders with existing and new customers.
Re-establishing Redwell in the community
Redwell Brewing’s operations director and one of the new owners, Warren Thorp, said: “We’re delighted that Amy has agreed to return to Redwell because her passion for the brand is unquestionable. Joining us in a part-time marketing and events role, her knowledge and experience of the wider business will be invaluable as we move forward and develop.”
Thorp continued: “One of our core priorities is to re-establish Redwell as part of the Norwich and Norfolk food and drink community. When the brewery first opened in Trowse it hosted many events and opened its doors to lots of local organisations; we’re keen to ensure that happens again and Amy will play a key part in re-building those community relationships.”
Hancock re-joins Redwell as an employee, with no financial stake in the business.
Re-connecting with local suppliers
Speaking about the decision to return to the Redwell team, Hancock said: “While in some ways it would have been easier to step away and do something completely new, I’m hugely proud of Redwell and I want to help it flourish. The new owners are genuinely committed to growing an ethical, high-quality and sustainable brewing brand and being part of this is a really exciting opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to re-connecting with many of the local suppliers and companies that I’ve worked with over the years and building new relationships. Redwell Brewing has always been proud of its Norwich roots and we want to cement those even further.”
Three Arches Brewing has already made a number of new appointments as it seeks to drive the Redwell brand forward.
“Master brewer Belinda Jennings joined as our new head brewer before Christmas, which is an incredible coup for us,” Thorp explained. “With my background in factory management and manufacturing and the skills of our wider team of directors we’re in a very strong position to turn Redwell around and ensure the brand remains part of the Norwich landscape for many years to come.”