Law firm Thrings’ Bath office has helped restructure the firm behind Priston Mill – one of the area’s best-loved wedding venues – in a move expected to boost growth for its two, very diverse business operations.
The firm has organised and hosted wedding receptions and civil ceremonies at the upmarket location for more than 25 years.
But it is also includes animal diagnostics business Millwood Products, which markets antibiotic, somatic cell count and milk ketone testing kits to dairy farmers and vets across the UK. Until now both businesses have operated through the same company.
However, placing them into separate entities will make it easier to monitor their financial and operational performance. It will also provide a clearer focus for management and staff as each business grows and develops independently.
Under the terms of the reorganisation, employees of the milk testing business will transfer from Priston Mill Ltd to a new company, Millwood Products Ltd.
Thrings’ Bath-based company commercial partner Alex Pyatt and solicitor Sarah Ellis led the reorganisation, advising Priston Mill directors Peter Hopwood, Christine Hopwood and Andrew Carveth on all strategic and legal matters. Finance and tax advice was provided by Baker Tilly Bristol tax director Andrew Gordon.
Alex said: “Having the ability to carefully analyse financial performance is key to running and growing a successful business. Operating a leading wedding venue and a milk testing business brings with it certain challenges, and the completion of the transaction, one of a growing number of reorganisations with which we are currently involved, will set Peter and his team on the right track as Priston Mill and Millwood Products continue to develop and grow.”
Peter Hopwood added: “This is an exciting time for us. The re-organisation will enable us to focus with greater clarity on the future direction and requirements of our two businesses.
“However, we remain family-run and what won’t change is our determination to offer exceptional customer service to the clients of both companies, at the same time as providing a rewarding and enjoyable working environment for our loyal and talented staff.”
Pictured, from left: Andrew Carveth, Christine Hopwood, Peter Hopwood of Priston Mill with Thrings' Alex Pyatt
