We Mean Business: Iconic Northampton brewery says putting ‘passion over profit’ is the way to survive
The face of an iconic Northampton brewery says “passion over profit” is the way to survive this year, in the fifth instalment of We Mean Business.
Launched at the start of the month, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.
The twice-weekly stories will spotlight what Northampton stands to lose if your favourite businesses were to close down, highlight the biggest challenges they currently face, and encourage greater support from the powers that be and the community before it is too late.
Next to feature is Johnny Howes, who joined Phipps Northampton Brewery Company in October 2024. The business, located in Kingswell Street, first moved to the town in 1817 but dates back to as early as 1801 in Towcester.
Following the company’s return to independence under the control of the founding Phipps family once more, the iconic Phipps IPA was revived in 2008 and the Albion Brewery followed in 2014.
Johnny is now the face of Phipps NBC, and it was a long search for the right candidate in 2024 to carry the weight of the brand’s history on their shoulders. The move was a homecoming for him as he was born and raised in Kettering.
Let’s take a look at what Johnny had to say…
How would you summarise your experience of running an independent business in Northampton at the moment?
“It’s quite challenging,” said Johnny. “For local, independent businesses, it has to be about passion over profit. I’m doing this because I’m passionate about Northampton and Phipps, and combining the two in ways that are worth it for the business. It's a challenging time.”
What are the biggest challenges your business currently faces, and what impact do these have on the daily running of your venture?
Johnny said: “It’s twofold. The industry we’re in comes with its own challenges and there’s been a shift in what consumers want.
“Part of that is costs. Raw ingredients, chemicals and energy are going up, and consumers have their own challenges. We hold the price of a pint so it’s acceptable for the everyday customer while keeping the business going. That in itself is a challenge.
“Even more locally, people aren’t going out as much and don’t have as much disposable income. We’re trying to diversify. We worked with The Amazing Northampton Run and we’re working closely with them again in 2026.
“We’re working with the local community to make more of Northampton. It gets a bad reputation but there are things going for it. I’m optimistic there’s plenty of life still left in Northampton.”
What more do you believe could be done by the local authority and national government to minimise your current challenges and ensure your survival throughout 2026?
Johnny says it is not an enviable task to be in power as there is not a “one size fits all” approach to appease every business. He added that the big thing in hospitality, and the beer industry, is contending with taxes and duties – which makes it harder for independents like Phipps to compete against those operating on a much bigger scale.
What do you believe Northampton stands to lose if your business were to close down? What unique offerings do you bring to the town that would be sorely missed?
“Phipps itself has been the hub of Northampton,” said Johnny. “It took a break but it is part of the local heritage.
“People are sitting at home placing orders as it’s cheaper, but there’s not the social aspect and having something to come into the town for is key. We don’t just have people from Northampton visiting, they come from further afield as it’s a destination.
“It’s noticeable when The King Billy is shut around the corner as when they’re open, there’s more going on for us. The more there is for people to come to, the more attractive Northampton is as a proposition.”
What small actions can our readers and the Northampton community take to support your business in 2026?
Johnny concluded: “We’re going to start putting on more things. We’ve been in Northampton for decades and people still don’t know we’re here.
“They might not like ale but we do other things. We want people to see the Albion Brewery Bar as more of a venue for events and a community hub. We want to develop the space in addition to the beer and it’s evolving based on what people want.
“Independent pubs around the town and surrounding villages are doing great work. There’s obviously that desire for a good roast dinner and a pint. It comes back to running on passion over profit. We’re trying to get over this wall we’ve hit in recent years, but it’s getting harder and harder.”