BUSINESS "‘angels"’ have gave a major boost to a new city brewery venture by investing £300,000.

Bradford Brewery, which is converting premises in Westgate to return brewing to the city centre and win a share of the multi-billion pound market for speciality ales and lagers, has secured the latest funding through Envestors North, which provides an introduction service for private equity investors, entrepreneurs and companies seeking finance. The company incorporated Yorkshire Association of Business Angels last year.

The latest funding for the brewery project comes hot on the heels ofafter a £50,000 loan from Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund and will enable the business to launch from its own fully refurbished brewpub – the Brewfactory –- and support marketing to attract further expansion capital.

Headed by managing director, Matthew Halliday, Bradford Brewery has already negotiated with the property owner, Shaw’s Moisture Meters, which is contributing £200,000 to the refurbishment of its former site.

Bradford Brewery will use the latest investment to complete the property renovation, buy its first brewing plant and bolster its cash balance ready for going live towards the end of this year.

The development will bring brewing back to central Bradford for the first time in nearly 60 years and create up to 12 jobs.

Matthew Halliday said: “Bradford Brewery is a new business with big ambitions. This investment, coupled with our own funds and the recently approved loan facility from BEF, will allow us to enter the market from a very strong financial position.”

Barbara Greaves, manager of Envestors North, said: “From his initial enquiry with us in late 2013, Matthew has tenaciously kept the investors informed of as his plans. progressed, resulting in their commitment to invest in September 2014.Keeping them informed post-investment will be equally important.”

Andrea Cropley and Natalie Hager at law firm Irwin Mitchell, advised Matthew on the fundraising. Andrea said: “Bradford Brewery is an extremely ambitious business with a very sensible business plan. It has identified a gap in the market and developed a strong proposition which has proved popular with the angel investment market.

“The business will have an income stream through its brewpub, but it is looking to build its estate and also secure some lucrative contracts." It has already made progress with this and I look forward to seeing the business build on this and realise its ambitions.”

Colin Glass and Jeremy Wilson, of chartered accountants Winburn Glass Norfolk, also advised Matthew. including in negotiations with investors.

Colin said: “We believe Matthew has all the entrepreneurial and organisational qualities to make Bradford Brewery a great success and we are delighted to be working with him and the team of experienced business angels introduced through Envestors.”