Former Finance Director needs a lot of bottle for new career

Tim Haywood, Tim Edwards and Nick O’Hara

A Worcestershire vineyard has changed ownership in a new deal advised out of the region.

Tim and Bev Haywood have purchased the land and business of Astley Vineyard in Stourport-on-Severn from former owner Jonty Daniels.

The vineyard was established in 1971 and taken over by Mr Daniels in 1993.

Now the five-strong Haywood family have plans to grow the business following increased interest in English wines.

The new team in charge includes the Haywoods plus son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Matleena Haywood and daughter Daisy.

The vineyard is classed as a boutique producer with just under five acres under vine. Astley’s focus over the years has concentrated on white wines and the business also produces a sparkling wine made from its unique 40-year-old Kerner vine, and a Late Harvest wine.

Tim Haywood, a recently retired financial director, said: “The purchase of Astley Vineyard was a brave step for my family. We are not from an agricultural background so we needed some professional and local advice to make sure the transaction went smoothly.”

Mr Haywood, who was recently announced as Prince Charles’ Ambassador to the West Midlands, as part of the Business in the Community Responsible Business initiative, was formerly group finance director and head of sustainability at global construction and facilities conglomerate, Interserve.

He added: “We have ambitious plans for the future of Astley Vineyard- there is a lot of potential for developing the vineyard which has been producing award-winning wine for over 40 years.”

Solicitors at Thursfields’ Worcester office advised the family on the deal.

The team of advisers from the firm included Katie Williams, senior associate solicitor Tim Edwards and managing director Nick O’Hara.
Ms Williams said: “The deal required input from several disciplines. Nick O’Hara and I advised on the property content of the transaction, Tim Edwards provided business advice and support.”

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