From his home in Dubai, Steve Hefft started a conversation with his wife Jacqui about opening a brewery back home in the UK.

Fast-forward a few years and the pair have realised their dream. They have been selling beers made at their 12 Bar Brewing Company in Marden since getting their licence in June – and the orders keep coming in.

“It’s tough at the beginning, but if the product is right a lot of the independent pubs are willing to give you a chance, particularly locally,” said Mr Hefft, who lives in Tunbridge Wells.

“Businesses are looking to sell local products, particularly food and drink, and we are jumping on that. We are finding a lot of the local pubs are very receptive to us.”

Mr Hefft’s success is not unique. In the South East, 59 breweries opened from July 2013 to the same month this year, bringing the total to 192.

New figures from the British Beer and Pub Association show a new brewery is opening in Britain every other day, with a particular surge in the last two years.

It says the industry employs 140,033 people in the region, about 3.2% of total employment.

“Britain is back on the map as a global ‘brewing powerhouse’, with three breweries opening up every week,” said community pubs minister Marcus Jones.

“We gave the world the IPA and the Great British pint has been revered ever since. This brewing boom means we are not only creating some of the world’s best beer that we all enjoy in our local pub and at home but also thousands of jobs and a multibillion-pound boost to the economy.”

A change in consumer habits has prompted the ‘beer boom’, according to Mr Hefft.

He said: “People are more receptive to something different and the various flavours you get in cask ale. It’s not alcohol content people are looking for – they want flavour.

“There are so many more hops on the market now that can give various tinges of various flavours.

“There are some amazing UK hops that can produce beer just as good as ones from hops in the US and New Zealand.”

The next target for 12 Bar Brewing Company is the exports market as Europeans search for new flavours. However, with so much to choose from, it is difficult to stand out above the rest.

Mr Hefft said: “I think the trend will last. Export is a crowded market, with more opening up week by week.

“You have to find a niche. Providing guest ales for pubs is not always going to keep you going. Export is the next step for us and countries are opening up and looking for real craft ale.

“Britain still has a real brand to sell. That is what’s interesting to a lot of people overseas.”