Former professional footballer Kevin Gage has passed his 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 with big plans for the character venue.
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.”
Travis Wood of MD Law said: “It 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.”
