THE family-run Burnley-based micro-distillery Batch Brew Ltd is set to increase production and distribution of its handcrafted Batch Premium Gin, thanks to a grant from the Lancashire Business Growth Fund.

Batch Brew is the second Burnley business to benefit from the £8million Lancashire Business Growth Fund (LBGF) pot, which was recently launched to help businesses across Lancashire with business growth projects and is supported by the Regional Growth Fund.

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A new job has been created thanks to the grant, with another due in 2016.

Batch has been awarded a LBGF grant of £10,196 which alongside their own capital investment, has led to the purchase, installation and commissioning of their purpose-built distillery facility at their Burnley premises, which includes a new tanking system, distillery equipment and metal counters.

Phil Whitwell, director at Batch Brew Ltd, said: “I approached Burnley Council’s business support team to seek advice on funding for our business growth and they pointed me in the direction of the Lancashire Business Growth Fund.

“The fund was really easy to apply to. You make an initial application online, and the process and criteria is clearly explained.

“Our application was processed in six weeks from our initial enquiry to receiving our grant offer letter.

“Since moving from Winchester to Burnley we have been overwhelmed by the support from the council and local business support agencies.

“Our premium gin is lovingly crafted. We don’t ask anyone else to produce our drinks and we source everything, from the bottles, to the botanicals and everything in-between.

“We produce and bottle by hand to ensure quality and individuality, which the team are immensely proud of.”

Mandy Lockett of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted we’ve been able to support Batch Brew with their distillery.

“Lancashire is at the heart of manufacturing and businesses need to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.”

To apply to the fund contact Stef Heywood, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce: 01254 356454.