J W Lees raises a glass to good results

BREWERY firm JW Lees has confirmed record results in the 12 months to the end of March with turnover at £64million.

The family-owned Middleton Junction business said turnover rose by £1.1million and pre-tax profits were £5.6million — an annual rise of £1million.

The firm invested £4.9million in its business, including the acquisition of three new pubs in Didsbury, Kirkham in Lancashire and Cragg Vale in Calderdale.

There have been several senior personnel changes with Tony Spencer joining in July as director of retail to expand JW Lees’ managed pubs and hotels division.

Other highlights included its Moonraker beer winning a CAMRA gold medal, JW Lees winning a northern family business of the year award and the distribution to employees of £440,812 through a profit-sharing arrangement.