‘Factors out of their control’

Aug 2 2008 by Alex Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Cains success story is symptomatic of the resurgence in the last few years.

“The Dusanj brothers have worked very hard and they been supported in their efforts by the workforce.

“It’s a reflection of the national scene and the nervousness of the banks. They are suffering because of factors out of their control.”

Chris Routledge, author of Cains: The Story of Liverpool in a Pint, due out in September, said: “There was a great sense of gloom about the brewery before the Dusanj brothers took it over. The way they have supported the city, for example the sponsorship of Liverpool ‘08 and the Tall Ships, has been a real boost to Liverpool.”

Franny Joyce, Unite regional officer, said: “We are not privy to the financial detail behind this so we need to sit down with them to try to understand the reasons why a perfectly good business is being abandoned by the bank.

“We believe the banks have a moral obligation to support the company. The difficulties are due to outside factors and when you have got the banks asking the government to support them because of their own greed then abandon companies who are finding it difficult.

“As a union, we will do all within our power and influence to help them turn it round.”

Mike Benner, chief executive of Camra, said: “They have done an excellent job in putting Liverpool back on the brewing map in a relatively short time.

“While there’s a quite serious decline in the beer market, real ale sales are picking up and the share of the market is growing. But it is a tough environment.”