Yorkshire-based Amity Brew Co is celebrating one year at its Albion Mills production facility, following a major expansion supported by Pudsey-based law firm John Howe & Co.

The move, completed last year, saw Amity secure a lease on a 30,000 sq. ft site at Albion Mills, enabling the business to separate its brewing and hospitality operations and significantly scale production.

John Howe & Co advised on the lease of the new facility and supported the brewery across the associated legal matters, helping to facilitate a smooth transition during a key period of growth.

Since relocating its brewing operations, Amity has achieved 100% growth in production, while also opening up new export channels, with regular pallet shipments now being sent to markets including Finland and Italy.

The brewery’s original home at Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed this spring into a dedicated taproom and kitchen. Now open six days a week, the venue offers an all-day and evening food menu and can host up to 200 drinkers and diners.

The Albion Mills site provides additional brewing capacity alongside a space for customers to enjoy Amity’s beers at source. John Howe & Co has now supported Amity Brew Co on both of its lease agreements, working closely with the business as it has scaled from a start-up into an established regional name.

Russ Clarke,co-founder of Amity Brew Co, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be up and running at Greengates. The new site is a significant step in our journey and John Howe & Co has been with us the whole way. 

“When we started Amity, we were delivering beer by hand during the pandemic and learning as we went. Demand has grown steadily since then, and this move gives us the breathing space we need to brew more beer, do things properly and keep the quality where we want it. 

“Having advisers who understand our business and share our enthusiasm has made a real difference throughout the process.”

The relationship between the two businesses predates the legal work, with several members of the John Howe & Co team already customers before any professional engagement began. During the pandemic, when Amity was a brand-new venture, members of the firm were among those ordering beer for home delivery.

Jenna Howe, Solicitor at John Howe & Co, added: “We were fans of Amity long before we became their lawyers, so being able to support the team as they take this next step has been hugely rewarding. They have built something special through hard work, quality and a genuine connection with their community, and it’s been a pleasure to help put the legal foundations in place for their expansion.

“Projects like this are what we enjoy most – supporting ambitious local businesses at key moments in their development and helping them move forward with confidence.”

With the new brewery now operational and Sunny Bank Mills site evolving into a dedicated taproom and kitchen, Amity Brew Co is positioning itself for its next phase of growth while staying true to the values that helped it gain traction from day one.