Celebrating Women in Business: Elizabeth Townsend, Kerroo Brewing Company

As part of our International Women's Day 2025 celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on inspiring women in business across the Isle of Man. We spoke to Elizabeth Townsend, co-owner of Kerroo Brewing Company, about her journey into business ownership, the importance of community, and her advice for other women looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start Kerroo Brewing Company?

Kerroo Brewing Company is a joint venture between myself and my partner Nick, which we founded a couple of years ago at our kitchen table. The tiny homebrew kit was literally positioned on the kitchen table, and we had to eat our breakfast standing up. I had been freelancing towards the tail end of the pandemic and wanted a new project to get stuck into, and Nick was keen to brew beer professionally as he has a real talent for it.

We’re now based in Port Erin, just off Station Road in the long stay car park, housed in a former Commissioners’ works garage. Kerroo is a 1000L brewery with an attached taproom bar, making it very different to a pub as we clear all the tables and benches away to brew beer during the week. We serve beers, wines, ciders and softs from 5pm until 10pm on a Friday and Saturday, and dogs and children are welcome. 

Can you share a standout moment or achievement that made you feel especially proud?

The business makes me proud every day, particularly when we collaborate with other people, both on the Isle of Man and further afield in the independent beer industry. We regularly work with Manx artists to create stunning can labels and merchandise, and run events at the taproom with sports clubs, creative groups and local businesses. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to start or grow a business?

The best advice I have for women who want to start their own business – now or in the future – is to diversify your skillset as much as possible. I began my first Saturday job twenty years ago at the age of fourteen, and since then I’ve gained experience in hospitality, public relations, copywriting, social media marketing, teaching and bookkeeping, all of which I draw upon running Kerroo. 

The crucial thing about being self-employed is to proactively network and market what you’re offering. We put effort into our social media content as this is the best way to reach people who may not live in the direct area.

What milestones and events are you looking forward to?

2025 will be an exciting year for Kerroo Brewing Company. The taproom will celebrate its first birthday on 8th March, which is International Women’s Day. We’re very lucky to have the brilliant beer writer and journalist Katie Mather joining us to read selections from her new ‘zine ‘A Place To Be’, which features personal reflections on tourism and hospitality on the Isle of Man. 

In less than a year we’ve become so much more than “just a brewery” and owe a huge debt of thanks to the members of our community who have made Kerroo a success in such a short space of time. 

You can stay up to date with the Kerroo Brewing Company by following their Facebook or Instagram pages.