June 14, 2007: Black Sheep Brewery has strengthened its operations and brewing with the promotion of two key employees.

Paul Ambler, head brewer since 1992, becomes operations director, and colleague Alan Dunn, second brewer since 1999, takes his place as head brewer.

Paul said: “I have seen Black Sheep grow from strength to strength despite a tumultuous time in the brewing world. I even designed and helped build the brewing plant, as well as developing the beer recipes. I’m delighted that Alan is taking over the mantle from me — he is as passionate about quality real ale as I am.

"As operations director I will be overseeing the strategic development of everything from warehousing and purchasing to transport, beer dispense and, not least, quality of Black Sheep Brewery operations to maintain the highest standards."

As head brewer Alan will be responsible for the day to day running of the brewery, including people and production, brewing through to cask. He said: "It’s great that Paul and I are able to continue working together to produce quality ales for our customers. I will be proud to continue strengthening Black Sheep Brewery’s standing within the industry.”

Managing director Paul Theakston added: “We are delighted that we have Paul and Alan’s expertise cementing the foundations of our brewing and operations facility at Black Sheep. They are a force to be reckoned with, having been a partnership since Alan’s joining in 1999 and have helped us become the brewery we are now. Recruiting internally meant that we were able to carry on the traditional values of the brewery."

Paul and Alan have extensive industry knowledge between them, comprising some 70 years' experience across the whole brewing process. Paul has an MSc in malting and brewing science, and Alan holds a BSc in biology.

The Black Sheep Brewery currently supplies some 700 outlets throughout the North of England and UK wholesalers and pub chains, and is no stranger to success having has just been announced as the North East’s favourite cask ale in the Daily Telegraph Cask Marque Best of British Beer Awards. This year the brewery was also named The Good Pub Guide’s Brewery of the Year for the second year running and is the first brewery in the North of England to receive the industry quality hallmark the Cask Marque Distribution Charter Award for achieving the highest standards for storing, transporting and delivering cask beer, enabling pubs to serve the perfect pint.