Microbrewery saves 550,000 pints (of water) and reduces costs

Jolly Sailor Brewery, a family run microbrewery based in Selby, saved money and increased productivity thanks to support from Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Resource Efficiency Fund (REF).

David Welsh, Director of the company was referred to the REF team by Selby SME Growth Manager, Heidi Green. David is working with Heidi to plan for future growth and was looking at ways to reduce his costs.

After contacting the REF, Jolly Sailor received a free efficiency audit which identified that the brewery could save money by reducing the amount of cleaning solution – made up of water and caustic soda - needed to clean the beer casks. The REF was able to fund £7,300 towards the purchase of an automated cask cleaner which reduced the water needed for the cleaning solution by 90%.

The new cask cleaner also meant that the previously manual process of cleaning the casks is now automated which has led to increased productivity. The new machine also reduces the amount of caustic soda used, which is very corrosive and harmful in terms of the health and safety to staff.

The brewery will save over £3,000 a year through lower energy, water and caustic soda costs, and will also reduce its carbon emissions.

David Welsh, Director of Jolly Sailor Brewery said, “I am delighted with the support we’ve received from the REF, it has helped us to save money and increase productivity thanks to the new cask cleaner.  The REF team made the whole process simple and easy and I would encourage businesses in Selby to pick up the phone and speak to the LEP Growth Service about the support available to help their business grow.”

The project was part funded through the European Regional Development Fund 2014-20. 

Find out how your business can save money through more efficient use of energy, water and waste, contact our Business Growth Service on 0113 348 1818 or email [email protected]