A MICROBREWERY is plotting increased exports, higher turnover and a move to a new base, after receiving a cash injection.

Black Paw Brewery, in Bishop Auckland, has secured £25,000 backing from the Finance for Business North East Microloan Fund, which aims to help smaller companies grow.

Black Paw, founded by Phil Whitfield in 2011, makes and distributes real ale, selling its speciality casks locally and nationally.

The firm makes six year-round beers, and Mr Whitfield says the loan will allow him to set up a website to send ale easier, triple turnover in three years, and potentially buy new premises.

He was supported by Rivers Capital Partners to gain the funding, and Nikita Bazko, fund manager at the firm, which has offices in Newcastle and Middlesbrough, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Phil.

“Turning a hobby into a business is something a lot of people dream of doing, and we're happy that the Microloan Fund was there to help him take Black Paw to the next step.”