A FORMER retail worker is raising his glass to a career change after launching a real ale brewery.

Graham Gannaway has set up The School House Brewery, which is based on Darlington’s Cleveland Industrial Estate.

Mr Gannaway said it is already supplying beers to pubs, clubs and restaurants in the Tees Valley, and is in talks to send ales to a national pub chain and sports arena.

He said: “Having worked at senior level for a major retail company, and then as chief executive for a charity, I was ready to face the ultimate challenge of running my own business.

“As any entrepreneur will tell you, there’s real thrill to working without a safety net.

“The difficult decision for me was not should I run my own business, but what business, and my epiphany moment came in the shower, when I decided a brewery would be perfect.”

Mr Gannaway was supported by accountants and business advisers Garbutt and Elliott, which has an office in York.

He said: “I’d been let down by an online accountancy firm when I was introduced to Craig Snaith, from Garbutt and Elliott, at a beer festival.

“That chance meeting was quickly followed by a visit to the brewery by Craig and his colleague Matthew Grant.

“They understood the business and my vision for the future.”

Mr Grant, a director at Garbutt and Elliott and a member of CAMRA, in York, added: “It is an absolute pleasure helping Graham.

“He is enthusiastic courageous and passionate and he loves his beer.”