Cains bosses vow to keep fighting to save brewery

Aug 3 2008 by Alex Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

cains

THE owners of troubled Liverpool brewer Cains last night pledged to keep fighting despite its bankers rejecting plans that could have saved the iconic city firm.

The Bank of Scotland yesterday said it would not support the company’s turnaround plans which means Cains must go to the High Court on August 12 to face a winding-up petition from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Ajmail Dusanj, who runs the brewer alongside his brother, Sudarghara, said they were determined to continue working on rescue plans.

“Yes, we are still fighting and we will try everything,” he said. “We haven’t given up. It’s a great business with a great future, but anyone looking short term won’t see that.

“We have to think over the weekend about what to do but we still want to make it work.

“We’re honourary Scousers – we don’t give up that easily.”

And he praised his workforce, which includes around 100 at the Stanhope Street site and 900 working in its pubs.

He added: “The workers were surprised but they are still giving the company 110% and they continue to do so. They have been fantastic.

“It’s difficult but they are totally committed to Cains. We have a great team of people.”

Cains appeared to lose its fight for survival yesterday after the Bank of Scotland said it would not support the company’s turnaround plans.

It had an agreement in principle with HM Revenue and Customs to pay an overdue tax bill but needed the bank’s support for the payment plan. It now faces a winding-up petition at the High Court on August 12.