Harrison Drury supports buyout at Preston-based luxury fireplace retailer

A North West based retailer and installer of luxury and bespoke fireplaces has been acquired by a member of its management team, in a deal supported by Harrison Drury’s corporate team.

Paddy Umpleby has acquired Preston-based Burning Desires Limited from founder and shareholder Sean Treaddell.

The company, which sells bespoke fireplaces and fire appliances to retail and trade customers across the region, was founded by Sean in 1991. Paddy first joined the company as a member of the sales team in 2010.

Our corporate team advising on the deal was led by associate solicitor Timothy Grover. Danielle Jesson from our commercial property team also provided advice on the lease of the property. Michael Lucas of Haleys Business Advisers advised on the financial aspects of the transaction.

Speaking about the buyout, Paddy said: “I’m thankful to Sean for giving me the opportunity to take over the business which he has put his heart and soul into up over the last three decades. We’ve worked very closely for a good number of years so taking over ownership of the company has felt very natural.

“We have a great, close-knit team here who all keep very high standards, so it will be very much business as usual for our customers and suppliers.”

Sean added: “It’s a pleasure to hand over ownership of the company over to Paddy. He knows the business and the industry inside out which will ensure our customers remain in safe hands.”

Operating from a showroom in Fulwood, Preston, Burning Desires works with architects, developers, interior designers, and homeowners on fireplace projects for new-build homes, period and listed buildings, hotels, restaurants, and public houses.

It has customers across Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside, Cheshire and the Isle of Man and has also completed projects in central London.

Speaking about the support provided by Harrison Drury, Paddy added: “Tim and the wider team at Harrison Drury have been very supportive and ultimately helped us get this deal across the line. They provided very good advice, not just on the deal but also other aspects like the lease of the building. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Pictured above left to right are Harrison Drury’s Tim Grover with Burning Desires team members Mike Fox and Louise Meadows.