Go Furness

Ulverston Brewing Company

When Anita Garnett left school, she decided to train as a hairdresser because she loved the creativity. Once she was qualified, she struggled to find work, and so she quickly set up her own salon, ‘Anita’s’ in Ulverston. Her Dad helped her set it up, and she borrowed £500 from each of her grandparents to get started. She paid this back as quickly as she could, because she is so independent.

This independent streak also meant leaving home, and learning about budgeting and money management the hard way! But, learn she did and she believes that this was a big factor in her business success today. “If you don’t work, there is no bread for the table”.

As time went on, and the business matured, so did her clients, and the creative challenges became fewer. Many clients wanted the same style all the time, and sometimes she even began having the same conversations! After 25 years, it was time for a change.During this time, she was fortunate to have her Mum on hand, who helped with the childcare. But she still missed out on some of their developments because she was working hard. But she managed as a single parent, and has never been on benefits. She believes that this too has made her a stronger business woman, and a person.

In 2000, she met her partner Paul. He persuaded her to attend a beer festival, and to sample Real Ale. Before this, she thought it was an ‘Old Man’s Drink!’

She was soon a convert and a connoisseur and loved the fact that it contained no chemicals or gas, so it was less likely to give you a hangover or be toxic.

Then it became a lifestyle! Holidays, pubs and outings revolved around trying out new ales. They even went to Canada and toured in a campervan trying out local ales.

They both began dreaming about setting up their own brewery after the closure of Harleys in Ulverston. After 2 years of trolling round pubs and breweries, dreaming, thinking and planning, they had the good fortune of visiting a pub in Alloa in Scotland, where the brewer invited them for a visit. Ken Brooker spent 3 hours with them and really encouraged them to expand their hobby of brewing in the garage, to a proper brewery.

They began experimenting with malts and the excitement grew.

At this time, they had some bad news in the family, and it made Anita realise that life is not a dress rehearsal, it is for living now. You only get one go at it.

So in 2006, Ulverston Brewing Company was born.

She showed me round the brewery, and explained the whole process which is precise, complicated and delicate. And, very hard physical work. Anita still managed to look great with her boiler suit and Wellingtons. Must be the hairdresser origins!

It takes about 2 and a half weeks to go from hops to the pub. She fascinated me with the history of brewing. I didn’t realise that it was traditionally women who brewed, and a woman’s brew often determined the quality of her husband!

Stewart at Foxfield Brewery was also a big help when he trusted her in his brewery to produce some ale. Fortunately, it was good!

Her challenges?

Getting enough money to buy the equipment, sourcing the right equipment, and juggling grants.

Working out the right time to sell her own business, and worst of all, having a 6 month wait before she could start working. There was a lot of slow moving red tape in this phase! This was extremely frustrating, when she was so ready to get started.

Developing a high profile on a limited budget. She did manage to get screened on the BBC though, and this has helped to create some interest.

Her Strengths?

Her focus, creativity, drive and determination balanced by Paul’s more measured, careful and analytical approach to business. It sounds like powerful creative chemistry!

Her advice to others?

Go For It!

You have your whole life in front of you. Just do it. You can always change direction if it is not right for you.

It’s better to have tried.

The money is not the main reward, it’s seeing people enjoying a good ale.

Remember the days that make you buzz, they will help in the days that are not so good. And the buzzing days in your own business, are a hundred times better than the buzzing days in someone else’s.

It’s more work, but just think of how you will feel when you achieve your goals.

She has lots of plans for Cumbria Breweries. She sees them working together, and creating a fantastic reputation for the area.

Watch out for Anita and Paul at the Dickensian Festival, selling a wonderful ale called “What the Dickens”, and generally watch this space!

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Posted by Kay Hebbourn on 19th September.