Liverpool’s Halewood Wines and Spirits (HWS) has secured a new three-year £50m debt facility from Royal Bank of Scotland’s asset based lending team.

The new facility will support growth of the firm's new management team and an acquisition strategy under the leadership of chief executive officer (CEO) Stewart Hainsworth. This includes developing a balanced portfolio of spirit brands to complement the company’s existing Crabbies and Red Square.

Development has already begun at HWS, with the Whitley Neill Gin brand having strong growth due to recent investments in West Cork Distillers, Pogues Irish Whiskey, and Rum Sixty-Six.

Recently, the company has invested in the Lake District-based craft beer brewery, Hawkshead, and announced the construction of a new Welsh Whisky Distillery at Aber Falls.

"Our asset-based lending facility fits perfectly with their ambitions, providing a source of flexible, cost-effective financing."

HWS is a family owned business, with international operations and exports. It sells around £215m in turnover to 90 countries worldwide and employs more than 300 staff in the UK.

Halewood Wines and Spirits' CEO Stewart Hainsworth said: “The partnership with RBS is another important step forward in Halewood’s strategic plan to build a portfolio of distinctive brands with strong local provenance.”

Royal Bank of Scotland's asset-based lending director Andy Pickford said: “We were immediately impressed with Stewart, Alan and the senior management team, especially with their sector insight and their plans to develop the business. 

"Our asset-based lending facility fits perfectly with their ambitions, providing a source of flexible, cost-effective financing, with key terms built around the strategic plan. We are confident that this funding will support the company’s growth ambitions in the coming years.”