Last week, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, Cllr Paulette Lappin, and Peter Dowd MP paid a visit to a locally owned independent brewery launching ‘Merseyside’s answer to Guinness’. 

Colbier Beer Co, based in Bootle, was named the UK's best new Independent Brewery at the 2025 SIBA awards. 

Stout-standing

Mike Corbett and Vik Williams, both from Sefton, founded the business in 2024. Bolstered by over a decade of experience in the industry working with other local craft breweries and bars, the duo’s love of music is reflected in the names of their beers, such as ‘Chorus’ and ‘Overture’. 

Colbier have now released Legato, a nitro stout which, Mike and Vik say, promises a ‘fuller, creamier mouthfeel’. 

As well as seeing Legato and learning about the process of creating it, the visit focused on discussing the impact of support from InvestSefton, the Council’s business support service. 

Cllr Lappin said: “It was great to see the hard work of an independent business and discuss some of the issues they face such as increased costs and the long hours which not everyone appreciates. 

“Colbier Beer Co is one of the many businesses which has benefited from InvestSefton’s expertise, and we had the opportunity to discuss how we can continue to support their growth. 

“We also talked about some of the potential opportunities available for the business, as well as wider plans for Bootle Town Centre and links to Salt and Tar.”  

Peter Dowd MP added: “It is always excellent to see a local business thriving, especially one based in my constituency of Bootle. 

“I enjoyed meeting Mike and Vik and learning more about the work they are doing. With hard graft and with the right support, there is still plenty of room for small businesses to be a big success.” 

More success brewing

Jamie Hannaway from InvestSefton has shared guidance with Colbier while they have found their feet in the local business scene. 

This has included looking at the growth plans for the brewery, discussing recruitment pathways, advising on selling internationally and pointing them towards funding for new equipment to support efficiency and reduce the carbon impact of the brewing process. 

Mike from Colbier said: "Jamie has been a great support to the business from the start. He's always available at the end of the phone or email to help with queries we have." 

The importance of local support was highlighted during the visit. Mike, who is Colbier’s director, shared how important the local economy is for an independent brewery. Their business with local independent bars and pubs has been key to the succcess of the brewery’s ‘Proper Sound Beers’ across the region. 

InvestSefton is Sefton Council’s enterprise, business support and inward investment service.  It offers free information and advice and access to a wide range of services. It is there to help any business, of any size, in any sector. 

People wanting to find out more about how the InvestSefton can help support their business, can visit www.investsefton.com or contact the team on 0151 934 3452 or investsefton@sefton.gov.uk.