SOLD : North Devon businessman acquires a further sporting activity based business

South West Shooting School based near Ilfracombe has recently been acquired by Carl Robinson. Having moved from Manchester Carl, bought Riverton Lakes and Holiday Cottages in 2012. He had been working on improving the coarse angling and holiday cottage offering at Swimbridge near Barnstaple to bring it up to a high standard. In his spare time Carl enjoyed shooting clay pigeons at the school based near Ilfracombe.

The shooting school came on to the market due to the unfortunate death of Ian Cawthorne who had established the business in 1986 with his wife Jackie. Jackie chose to instruct specialist business transfer agent, Beardsley Theobalds based in Exeter. The business was promoted on various websites in the business transfer industry as well as Beardsley Theobalds’ own website. Additionally, the business was promoted via a mailshot campaign to operators of similar business asking if they may be interested in expansion of their operations via acquisition.

With his interest in shooting and there being similarities with his existing business Carl stepped forward to acquire the shooting school and so securing the positions of the two employees. The school caters for the spectrum of shooting abilities from lessons for beginners to holding competitions for the keener shots. Group activities for stag and hen parties are also offered and the valley setting offers protection from the wind for those shooting whilst the clays fly in the wind! 

Carl's plans for the ground include the upgrading of the pathways and roads to improve accessibility for everyone, upgrading the stands and equipment, putting on regular competitions and events, updating the signage and exposing the business to a larger audience.