Brewlab, the Sunderland company that supports the brewing, distilling and wider drinks industry, have announced a major change in ownership.

Brewlab Ltd has been owned and led by Dr Keith Thomas, a former senior lecturer in Biosciences at Sunderland University, for the last 38 years.

It has been a major contributor to the education of brewers and distillers from all over the world, as well as carrying out analysis and projects for drinks businesses of all sizes. 

Husband and wife team Phil and Alison Douglas now plan to take up the reigns as Keith stands down from day-to-day involvement in the business.

Alison, who has worked alongside Keith for 25 years running the laboratory side of the operation, said: “When Keith approached us about taking on a management buyout, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

“Phil and I have over 75 years’ experience in the industry, so we feel we have a great deal of knowledge to train and support brewers, distillers, and anyone else in the drinks industry.”

Keith is not going away totally though, as Phil explains: “He is a fountain of knowledge in all aspects of the drinks industry and whilst he is taking a step back, he will still be around as company founder to provide help and advice, invaluable to us going forward.”

Alison will continue to run the laboratory-based projects and analysis side of the business whilst Phil will take on the teaching, projects and brewing areas.

They look to continue the success of Brewlab whilst looking to enter new areas such as corporate events, in-house training and developing their own brewing operation under the banner Brewlab Brews, which operates a Taproom at their Sunderland headquarters.