Murphy & Son Strengthens Technical Support for Brewers with New University Partnership
LBA trade member Murphy & Son has announced an expanded partnership with the University of Nottingham’s International Centre for Brewing Science, reinforcing its role as one of the UK’s leading technical resources for brewers. This collaboration will see Murphy & Son’s laboratory and R&D team relocate to the university, unlocking cutting-edge research facilities and enhancing the technical support available to breweries.
For LBA member breweries, this partnership means access to more advanced product testing, expanded laboratory services, and greater innovation in brewing research. Murphy & Son has long been a trusted name in the industry, offering everything from liquor treatments and processing aids to cleaning materials and essential brewing ingredients. Now, with direct integration into one of the UK’s premier brewing research institutions, they’re set to push technical support even further.
This move brings immediate benefits to breweries, including:
- Expanded Lab Testing – Murphy & Son will now offer a wider range of testing services, not only for beer but also for wine, cider, and spirits.
- Cutting-Edge Research & Innovation – Brewers will benefit from insights gained through one of the UK’s most advanced pilot brewing systems.
- Sustainable Brewing Solutions – With sustainability a core focus, Murphy & Son will continue developing efficiency-driven innovations to help breweries reduce waste and refine production.
- Future Talent Development – This partnership ensures continued investment in brewing education, bringing more skilled professionals into the industry.
Building on a History of Collaboration
This partnership isn’t new—it’s the result of years of successful collaboration between Murphy & Son and the University of Nottingham, which has seen apprentices, fellowships, and post-graduate placements strengthen the technical expertise within the company. Many University of Nottingham alumni have gone on to become integral members of Murphy & Son’s laboratory and technical teams, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the next generation of brewers.
Murphy & Son’s Managing Director, Charles Nicholds, sees this as a major leap forward for the company and the wider brewing industry:
“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the University of Nottingham. This partnership not only enhances our research and development capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to supporting the next generation of beverage producers. By relocating our lab and R&D team to the Centre for Brewing Science, we can leverage advanced facilities to better serve our customers and expand our testing services. Additionally, this collaboration will help us continue to push the boundaries of our R&D, finding innovative solutions to deliver on our goal of being the number one technical resource for drinks producers.”
The university shares this excitement, seeing the partnership as a model for how academia and industry can work together to drive innovation in brewing.
Professor Sam Kingman, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, stated:
“I am thrilled to see Murphy & Son continue to deepen their relationship with the University. We are a centre of excellence for brewing education and research, and through this partnership, our shared expertise will be translated into world-leading innovation, helping to define the future of the sector.”
A Technical Powerhouse for Brewers
For breweries across London and beyond, Murphy & Son’s expertise continues to grow. Built on a foundation of scientific research, specialist liquor treatments, and brewing process aids, they are now better positioned than ever to support brewers with technical services and product innovation.
It’s no surprise that Murphy & Son was recently recognised by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce as both ‘Small Business of the Year’ and ‘Business of the Year’ for Nottinghamshire—a reminder of their ongoing commitment to quality and service in the brewing industry.
With this latest expansion, Murphy & Son cements its role as a key technical partner for LBA breweries, ensuring that brewers across London have access to the expertise, support, and innovation needed to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry.
