The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and mircrobrewers should be an “economic inspiration” to the nation as it struggles to emerge from recession.

That’s according to economic experts at the prestigious Nottingham University Business School, who believe the ever-growing number of microbreweries offers hope for the UK’s small businesses.

The economists also believe that real ale’s rebirth in the wake of the Camra’s founding in 1971 has implications for much of the UK economy. By 1970, the number of breweries in England was just 141 — down from 1,324 in 1900. But by 2004 the number of breweries in England stood at 480 after Camra helped raise awareness.

Numbers of microbrewers were also bolstered by the introduction of Progressive Beer Duty in 2002 — showing tax relief can also help rejuvenate industries.

“The fact is that the business world can learn an enormous amount from our beer buffs,” said professor Peter Swann. “The range of products and the number of centres of production in brewing in England declined dramatically between 1900 and 1970.

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