MD Law helps former professional footballer pass successful Derbyshire hospitality business onto next generation
Former professional footballer Kevin Gage has passed his popular Derbyshire hotel, cafe and bar onto a family member after announcing his retirement from the business.
Kevin, who made more than 400 appearances for Sheffield United, Wimbledon, Aston Villa, Preston North End and Hull City over a 19-year career, has run the 15th century Grade II Listed Manor House Hotel in the heart of the historic market town of Dronfield since 2008.
Now his step-daughter Isobel Ford, and her partner Elliott Hill, have taken up the reins at the 11-bed hotel and bar with big plans for the character venue located near The Peak District and only a short distance from Sheffield and Chesterfield, including live music, bottomless brunches, cheese and wine, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
James Burdekin and Travis Wood from Sheffield’s MD Law advised on the corporate and commercial property legal work for the transaction while Paul Naylor at Optimum Finance handled the finance support package via NatWest and Mitchells Accountants dealt with the accounting structure.
Kevin said “I am delighted that we have been able to keep The Manor House Hotel in the family and genuinely had no idea that this was possible. Thanks to excellent advice from MD Law, Mitchells and Optimum Finance, the legacy I have worked to build is now safely in the hands of my stepdaughter and her partner. I am 100 per cent confident they will continue to build on excellent foundations and take The Manor House forward into its next phase.”
Isobel added: “It is a really exciting time to take on The Manor House Hotel and we are all working very hard to get the new offerings out there to people and make sure they are the best they can be.
“Hard work is going into all our new offerings including Sunday lunch, afternoon tea and bottomless brunch and the team is genuinely excited to add another success to The Manor House Hotel’s story. You can genuinely feel the buzz around the place, which can only get better once our refurbishment works are complete in the new year.”
Travis Wood of MD Law, said: Iit is always great to work on family businesses and help those hard-working families achieve their aims and goals, especially when the business is such a staple to a local community. I’m sure I speak for all at MD Law when I say best wishes and good luck!”
Paul Naylor at Optimum Finance added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with The Manor House Hotel once again. I assisted with the initial purchase back in 2008 and have been proud to support the business ever since.
“It’s been great to help guide the company into its next chapter. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Kevin a very happy retirement, and to wish Isobel and Elliott every success as they continue to grow this fantastic business.”
The Manor House Hotel is a popular destination among locals and people from further afield alike and has become an undisputed staple on the Dronfield High Street.
Located in the centre of Dronfield, the building mixes the contemporary with the traditional featuring original stone walls, wooden beams and quirky picture windows. Since taking over the reins, Isobel and Elliott have begun preparations for a full refurbishment to the bar, restaurant and toilet areas with plans to implement changes early in the new year. Upon completion of the proposed works, refurbishment plans will continue as Isobel and Elliott work through The Manor House Hotel’s popular beer garden and 11 rooms.
MD Law offers expert legal services in commercial property, insolvency, dispute resolution, corporate, commercial and employment matters to its nationwide clients. Its commercial property team advises on all aspects of work including freehold and leasehold sales and acquisitions; landlord and tenant work; new lease and lease renewals for business owners, investors, individuals and partnerships.
For further information contact MD Law on 0114 299 4890 or email info@mdlaw.co.uk
