Reorganisation Helps Priston Mill Untie the Knot

Leading commercial law firm Thrings has completed the restructure of Priston Mill in a move which is expected to accelerate the growth and development of its two, very diverse businesses.

Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Priston Mill has organised and hosted wedding receptions and civil ceremonies for more than 25 years. As a result of continued investment in new ideas and facilities for the Tythe Barn and Watermill, it remains one of South West’s best-loved wedding venues.

Meanwhile, Millwood Products, which started as a family business in 1986, markets and supports antibiotic, somatic cell count and milk ketone testing kits to dairy farmers and veterinary surgeons across the UK.

Until now the wedding venue and milk testing businesses have operated through the same company. However, placing the two businesses into separate entities will enable them to be managed separately, making it easier to monitor the financial and operational performance of each. 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 Limited to a new company, Millwood Products Limited.

Company commercial partner Alex Pyatt and solicitor Sarah Ellis of Thrings 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 Andrew Gordon, ‎Tax Director at Baker Tilly’s offices in Bristol.

Alex Pyatt 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.”