A FAST-growing York business has expanded after benefiting from a boom in home brewing.

Home Brew Online has taken on two new units in Pyramid Court, Ouseacres, off Poppleton Road, after experiencing increased demand.

The new units have enabled the online business to have a shop which is open to the public, as well as providing more space for stock.

The family business also expects to break the £1 million turnover mark this year after securing a deal with gift-card providers that sell into major high-street shops.

John Harbisher, founder of the business, first started microbrewery kits with his father, Colin, from his garage in Bishopthorpe in 2005.

He said that people were often introduced to home brewing when they were given a kit as a present, but as their hobby progresses, they want to try new and more advanced things and the business has grown with these customers.

The family business expanded, employing John’s brother, Dave, and sister-in-law, Lisa in 2011, followed by the recent addition of John’s wife, Nicola, who joined earlier this year, as well as two other staff.

It now plans to take on an apprentice over the summer to help manage the expected increase in orders once the kits start selling in the form of a “gift experience” in stores including WH Smith.

John said: “The rising price of alcohol in the shops, coupled with the current desire for locally sourced and organic products have led to more people wanting to make their own.”

Home Brew Online is having a grand opening this Friday and Saturday to celebrate the move, with tastings and samples from the different kits and demonstrations.

John said the company planned to hold more events for the home brewing community that has developed alongside the business in its active forums on the website.