AN entrepreneur has launched his own brewing business after receiving a £25,000 business loan.

Michal Czubak, 34, from Darlington, turned his passion for creating his own ales into Saints Row Brewing and is already selling into pubs and bars in Darlington, Newcastle and Stockton.

He said: “I’ve travelled the world quite extensively so I wanted to fuse together my knowledge of brewing with the different hops and flavours from different parts of the world to create craft ales of real distinction.

“My products are often globally-influenced ales with a twist, and my core range is already being stocked in regional pubs. A particularly popular product since launching has been my Spring Special, which is a citrusy, light, American-style pale ale at five per cent ABV.

“It’s selling well and represents one of my speciality products, which will be introduced throughout the year to keep the range fresh and exciting.”

Mr Czubak is originally from Poland but settled with his family in Darlington a number of years ago. He has rented brewery space in Stockton after receiving help from the New Enterprise Allowance and TEDCO Business Support.

He said: “I’m confident in the breadth and potential of the product range already created. However, the very nature of being a craft brewer is that I’m always looking for new flavours and tastes as I look to improve the ales and recipes we have.

“I like to have a good flow of new products ready to come to market and hope to expand my team on the business development side to manage the sales side of my business.”

Judith Wheatley, TEDCO Business Support and business adviser, provided support throughout the launch of Saints Row Brewing, taking it from an idea to a business enterprise.

She helped Mr Czubak develop his business plan and get the £25,000 business loan through the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

He said: “The capital was essential to help fund equipment and buy ingredients and packaging that would transform the capacity of the business, but also the way in which we can sell to the local marketplace as a professional and unique craft brewery.”

TEDCO Business Support delivers the New Enterprise Allowance scheme in Darlington, providing help to eligible candidates aged 18 and over considering self-employment.

Judith Wheatley said: “Michal has a natural talent for creating craft ales, which are really unique to the market but have genuine appeal to the pub trade looking to develop their offering of locally brewed ales for their customer base.

“With such raw passion for the business, Michal just needed support on the more detailed aspects of how to run a business in addition to much-needed financial help to fund the equipment required to produce more of his products.

“The New Enterprise Allowance scheme was an ideal option and I wish him every success in turning Saints Row Brewing into a household name in the North-East craft brewery market.”

For information on the NEA scheme or business start-up programmes offered by TEDCO, see tedco.org.