The Black Sheep Brewery has announced that it intends to appoint administrators to protect the interests of its creditors after the business was hit by a “perfect storm” caused by the pandemic and rising costs.

A spokesman for Black Sheep, which is based in Masham, North Yorkshire, stressed that the business was trading as normal and there have been no job losses to date. It employs around 50 staff.

In April, the company announced it had started a review of its strategic options, including the possibility of an acquisition of the company in all or in part.