SOLD : Wholesaler & Shows/Events Retailer of Chutneys, Jams, Marmalades etc.

The Cherry Tree – Appearing at an Event Near You

Award winning chutneys, jams, marmalades and curds are the speciality of The Cherry Tree. The products are manufactured in small batches using the finest ingredients at the production facility on Somerset and are distributed around the country via a number of ‘retailers’ operating under a franchise model. The products are sold via more specialist independent shops and at shows and events.

The area covering Cornwall and North Devon was established in 2008 and acquired by husband and wife David and Catherine Stead in 2012. David and Catherine had moved to Cornwall with the intention of retiring but, finding that they still wished to be active they bought the business which they have been able to run from home on flexible hours to suit themselves. Having grown the business steadily (no pun intended) they decided that now was the time to have a go at retiring again.

Via a recommendation from a friend they 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, having a large register of buyers looking to buy businesses in a variety of sectors, they had an immediate pool of people to contact. 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.

Very quickly a number of potential buyers expressed interest; Clive and Sarah Tabiner from Mid Devon had a meeting with the vendors and subsequently met the franchisor and a deal was agreed very promptly. Having spent 19 years working as a freelance business development consultant with many organisations across the South West of England, Clive is looking forward to applying that experience to this new venture for himself and his wife Sarah. Clive said “David and Catherine, the previous owners, have built up a solid foundation on which we can develop the business for the future. They are being tremendously supportive in guiding us through the early days, and we see lots of potential for growing the business over the coming years. This is a business model that is sustainable and above all, a range of products that taste great - a brand you can really believe in!”

David and Cathy said they were impressed by how Roger Mundy, the managing director at Beardsley Theobalds, took time to understand their business and had attention to detail. Clive expressed that, during the process, Charles Webb of Beardsley Theobalds was looking after the interests of all the parties involved.