Warrington hotel acquired in six figure deal

Date: 26 January 2009

A CHESHIRE-born businessman has returned to his roots to acquire one of the UK’s first ever budget hotels in a six figure deal.

Jeff Riley, and his wife Marjorie, have acquired Tall Trees Lodge near Warrington, which they plan to refurbish, rebrand and rename, in a deal part-funded by NatWest.

pictured from L to R: Marjorie Riley, Paul McGerty (Lead Advisor Mitchell Charlesworth) and Jeff Rile (Managing Director - Tall Trees Lodge)

Paul McGerty of Liverpool-based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors Mitchell Charlesworth was appointed by the couple to structure their new company, Happy Guests Ltd, advise on tax issues and act on the acquisition.

Tall Trees Lodge opened in October 1992 and was one of the first budget hotels in the UK. The three star hotel on Tarporley Road, Lower Whitley, near Warrington, has 20 en-suite rooms and is located in the Cheshire countryside near to the M56.

Jeff said: “We are excited at the challenge that lies ahead and are looking forward to welcoming our first guests through the front door of Tall Trees Lodge.

“We have a very simple and clear objective for Tall Trees Lodge – to ensure our guests are happy! To achieve this we have plans to implement many new and exciting ideas to reposition Tall Trees Lodge with a new identity and new vision, ensuring once again that it will be at the very cutting edge of this important hotel sector.”

Jeff, who is originally from Ellesmere Port, and his Warrington-born wife Marjorie, who are both 46, gave up careers in marketing and administration to enter the hotel trade just under five years ago.

They bought the Westbourne Hotel in Torquay and built up the business before recently selling up to return to the North West and embark on their new venture.

Paul McGerty, lead advisor from Mitchell Charlesworth, said: “Jeff and Marjorie have learnt a great deal, and made a real success, during their relatively short time in the hotel industry.

“They have now put together exciting plans for their new business and I’m sure with their experience and vision they will continue to make a success of Tall Trees Lodge based on their aims of offering outstanding value for money with high levels of service.”

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