Brains behind rural brewery set for award

Sep 6 2008 by The Journal

THE man behind a Northumberland brewery has been shortlisted for a national award for young entrepreneurs. Tom Hick, 28, set up Allendale Brewery in 2006, building a business which now supplies more than 100 pubs across the region.

His achievement has earned him a place on the shortlist for the Young Rural Entrepreneur of 2008 award.

Tom studied zoology at Bangor University in North Wales before deciding to combine his love for real ale with a sharp business mind. Spotting the opportunity for micro-brewing, he went on to achieve an MSc from Sunderland University’s Brew-Lab before setting up the brewery.

It represented the first commercial brewing in Allendale since 1887.

He takes his products, which are all named after local wildlife, to beer festivals across the country.

And yesterday Tom said he was delighted and honoured to have his work recognised by the judges.

“It’s an incredible thing just to be chosen as one of the five best young entrepreneurs in the country,” he said.

“I love what I do. It keeps me very busy – there are always new, exciting things happening.

“I enjoyed home brewing and drinking real ales. My experience at university showed me that staying with zoology would be like staying at school.

“I really enjoyed making things and I thought what an ideal opportunity micro-brewing was.

“I put a lot of effort in and care a lot about what I do so when a beer gets an award or I’m shortlisted for an award like this, it does make me proud.”

The competition – run by insurance broker Lycetts and The Field magazine – pays tribute to the efforts of young people across the UK who combine a passion for the countryside with a knowledge of business.

Entries this year ranged from organic farming and specialist food production to recycling and waste management.

Angus Keate, chief executive of Lycetts, said: “There was a definite feeling that the overall quality of entries received this year was outstanding.

“We are looking for a good business idea and an entrepreneurial streak in an individual who may be just setting up, or well on their way to developing a truly sustainable business benefiting the local or wider rural community.”

Tom will give a presentation to judges in London on Tuesday before the awards ceremony on October 16.