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About Us
Proudly Serving the Isle of Man and Beyond
With roots dating back to the late 19th century, Heron & Brearley is proud to be at the heart of the Manx community and our northern UK locations. Based on the Isle of Man - a unique self-governing Island with a population of around 85,000 - we have grown to become a trusted and diverse business group.
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A Leader In Hospitality
Today, we employ over 750 people, making us one of the Island’s largest employers and a leader in hospitality. From pubs to convenience stores, forecourts, and distribution, we deliver a broad and complementary portfolio of services, all closely aligned with the needs and values of our communities.
Honouring Our Heritage
Renowned for our Okell’s pubs and historic brewery, we honour our heritage by combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation - brewing a dynamic range of beers that reflect modern tastes and lifestyles.
Our Mission Is Clear
To empower exceptional customer experiences through operational excellence and to be recognised as the community’s favourite business. Since 2024, our strategy has focused on driving growth across all business verticals, enabling us to better serve, support, and strengthen the communities we are proud to be part of.
Our History
1850
Okell’s Founded
Dr. William Okell established Okell’s Brewery at Castle Hill, Douglas. His passion for scientific brewing laid the foundation for its later acquisition by Heron & Brearley.
1860
Early Roots
J.C. Brearley joined George C. Heron at Castle Mona Stores, gaining deep knowledge of the wine and spirit trade.
1874
Pure Beer Act
The Isle of Man Pure Beer Act, championed by Dr. Okell, mandated that only water, malt, sugar, and hops could be used in brewing. Unlike the UK’s later relaxations, the Act remained in force on the Island.
1898
Incorporation
Heron & Brearley Ltd. was formed, uniting the Heron and Allen businesses. Exclusive distribution rights soon followed for major brands including Moët & Chandon, Martel, Guinness, and Bass.
1899
Dumbell’s Bank
Dumbell’s Bank acquired three breweries and 46 licensed houses, but Heron & Brearley declined to join the ‘Breweries Combination’. The following year, the Combination collapsed into bankruptcy, taking the bank with it.
1914
Cowley Family
Following C. Brearley’s passing, J. D. Cowley was appointed director, beginning the Cowley family’s long and continuous association with Heron & Brearley - the longest in the company’s history.
1926
A Year of Change
Following the passing of founding chairman H. Brearley, J. Ritchie Sr. became chairman, marking a new era for the business. That same year, the company acquired Mannington, adding hotels (including the Castle Mona) and pubs to its portfolio, while Henry and Leslie Cowley joined as the Drumgold Street site expanded.
1946
Acquisition of Okell’s
The acquisition of Okell’s marked a strategic move into brewing, diversifying beyond wines, spirits, and bottling, and securing a leading position in the Manx drinks trade.
1986
Castletown Brewery
Heron & Brearley acquired Castletown Brewery as the Island’s beer market contracted, consolidating local brewing under Okell’s. Castletown Ale continues to be brewed today. A new warehouse was also built at Kewaigue, allowing the Drumgold Street site to be sold to Marks & Spencer.
1987
Ownership of Island Automatics
Heron & Brearley gained full ownership of Island Automatics. Originally jointly owned by Castletown Brewery, Heron & Brearley, and the Palace Group, the remaining 40% share was acquired from the Palace following the 1986 Castletown takeover.
1991
Kewaigue Headquarters
With Drumgold Street no longer suitable for a vehicle-heavy operation, Heron & Brearley acquired a greenfield site at Kewaigue to build new offices and a warehouse — now the Group’s headquarters.
1996
Falcon Brewery
Falcon Brewery, Douglas closed it’s doors to move to the Kewaigue site with more modern equipment. The Old Brewery was dismantled and converted into a fine wine store and later into luxury apartments.
2000
Trade Distribution Limited (TDL)
Heron & Brearley established Trade Distribution Limited (TDL) to manage warehousing and distribution for the Island’s leading drinks wholesaler. TDL’s expertise quickly attracted wider recognition, and today it serves more than 70 UK drinks suppliers.
2007
CI Newsagents
Heron & Brearley acquired CI Newsagents in April, with plans to enhance and expand the store network across the Isle of Man.
2011
Market Town Taverns
Heron & Brearley acquired Market Town Taverns, a group of 15 Yorkshire pubs renowned for fine wines and beers, marking a significant expansion into the UK market.
2024
Establishment of the Group's Direction
Heron & Brearley Group completed a major board restructure, strengthening leadership, enhancing agility, and aligning governance with the Group’s future direction.
2025
Celebrating 175 Years.
Heron & Brearley acquired and relocated FCX to the Group’s headquarters at Kewaigue. The year also marked H&B’s 175th anniversary - celebrated with a limited-edition Smoked Porter, a commemorative Isle of Man Post Office stamp collection, and local collaborations with Robinson’s and Isle of Man Creameries, showcasing the best of Manx craft and community.
2025
State-of-the-art Canning Line
Okell’s Brewery unveiled a state-of-the-art canning line at its Kewaigue headquarters, officially opened by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE. The event also marked the beginning of Okell’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
Our Team
Our Strength
Appointed Executive Chairman in October 2024, Mark Crowther supports the Board and Senior Leadership Team across all areas of the business.
With over 30 years of experience in the food, drink, and hospitality sectors, Mark has held senior leadership roles across some of the industry’s most respected names – including Allied Domecq, Diageo, and Carlsberg UK. As CEO of the Liberation Group, he led the management buyout in 2008, overseeing the acquisition of Butcombe Brewery and several other successful integrations before delivering a highly profitable sale in 2019.
Mark currently serves as Chairman of Portobello Pubs & Bars, Pub People & Mountain Pub Company, and Walcot House Group Bath. He is also a member of the Property Board of the Brewers’ Livery Company. Having led the creation of Heron & Brearley’s five-year plan, Mark now works closely with the team to help realise the Group’s vision of becoming the community’s favourite business.
Married with three children, Mark is a keen foodie and a lifelong supporter of Bath Rugby and Arsenal.
As Group Finance Director for the Heron and Brearley Group Danny leads the financial and accounting activities of the group.  Danny’s responsibilities include providing clear and sound financial advice at board level to facilitate executive decision-making, formulation and implementation the Group’s financial strategy, liaison with key stakeholders including investors and lenders, and overseeing all aspects of the Group’s financial operations and corporate secretariat functions.
During his time with Heron and Brearley Danny has led corporate acquisitions, facilitated corporate and organisational restructures, overseen numerous IT system changes and enhanced the Group’s financial reporting across the Group’s diverse business which include hospitality, wholesaling, logistics freight, convenience retailing, production, and property investment.
Danny joined the Group in 2015 as Group Accountant assuming the role of Group Finance Director in 2020 and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. Danny has over 18 years’ experience in the accounting and finance profession which includes prior experience as an accountant within the Isle of Man Government and as an auditor with industry leading firms Ernst & Young and PWC
Ollie leads the strategic direction and commercial growth of H&B’s wholesale, brewing, and property businesses. With over 15 years of experience in the drinks industry, he brings deep expertise in the on-trade sector, wholesaling, and production management through his long-standing involvement with Okell’s Brewery.
Passionate about brand development and innovation, Ollie has played a key role in growing the Okell’s brand across the Isle of Man and the UK. He has driven efficiencies across purchasing and sales, streamlined supplier partnerships, and introduced new product lines and categories that strengthen H&B’s drinks portfolio.
Known for his hands-on, ideas-first approach, Ollie combines strategic thinking with creative energy. He’s passionate about celebrating Isle of Man heritage and weaving local identity into every brand story. A strong believer in teamwork, adaptability, and practical problem-solving, he’s as comfortable in the boardroom as he is in the brewhouse.
Outside of work, Ollie enjoys spending weekends with his wife and two children, exploring the outdoors on the Island. He also serves on the board of Business Isle of Man.
Steven Taylor is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience managing and developing operations across a range of consumer-facing sectors. With a strong background in strategy development, operational excellence, software development, and financial management, he brings both vision and precision to every role he undertakes.
As the Managing Director of Okell’s Inns and founder of Kaizen Professional Limited , Steven has a proven track record of transforming business operations and guiding teams to achieve their strategic ambitions. He also serves on the board of Visit Isle of Man, contributing his expertise to the Island’s broader economic and tourism development.
A proud Manchester United fan, Steven balances his strategic mindset with a lifelong passion for teamwork and continuous improvement.
Vic joined the Heron & Brearley Group in 2003 and has since progressed through a range of senior leadership roles. As Managing Director of Trade Distribution and Mannin Retail, he oversees operations spanning retail, logistics, freight, and warehousing, with a combined turnover of around £60 million. Vic has driven major business growth across the Isle of Man and UK, including the acquisitions of Manx Independent Carriers and FCX.
He leads a diverse retail portfolio of SPAR stores, forecourts, post offices, and franchise brands such as Subway, while also directing H&B’s logistics and distribution network. As a Non-Executive Director of H&B, he provides strategic insight on supply chain development.
Vic holds degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and Central Sussex College, and is an active member of several professional and industry bodies. Outside work, he enjoys golf and travelling with his young family.
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