Title: Founders of Grimsby’s Docks Beers and Academy Take their Leave as New Era Begins
In a landmark move, Will Douglas and Shahram Shadan, co-founders of Grimsby’s esteemed Docks Beers and Docks Academy, have chosen to step down. Their shares have been acquired by Kirkham Holdings Ltd, marking a new era for the institution. Nick and Jacob Kirkham are now firmly in the driving seat as Directors, ready to steer the company towards its next chapter.
Looking back at their journey since the business’s establishment on King Edward Street in 2018, Douglas expressed deep gratitude to co-workers as well as the community. He noted, “The brands we have developed in Grimsby have been a source of immense pride. Witnessing the acceptance and support from the town has been enormously satisfying. I wouldn’t have chosen to lay the groundwork anywhere else.”
As he departs, Douglas reminisces about his time cultivating a popular brewery, taproom, venue, and annual festival. He leaves with optimism for the future progress of Docks Beers, optimistic about its succeeding ventures like DocksFest. Shadan, on the other hand, is embarking on a new journey, migrating to Australia for the role of Managing Director at myenergi APAC. Reflecting on his tenure with the company, Shadan said, “Docks has been a defining and incredibly rewarding chapter of my life.”
The senior leadership team of the company will remain unaltered, assuring stable management of brewing, hospitality and live events.
Director Nick Kirkham expressed gratitude towards the founders, stating, “We are thrilled to take Docks beers and Academy forward into their next era. Our aim is to keep brewing excellent craft beers and bring top quality live music and comedy to our devoted customers”. Jacob Kirkham affirmed this feeling, underscoring the commitment to preserving the brand’s reputation for quality, innovation and community spirit.
This article is informed by original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
