Trout farm reels in new owners
A TROUT farm in Lancashire is set for expanaion after being bought by its management team for an undisclosed sum.
Dunsop Trout Farm, which was set up at Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe, in 1926, has been purchased by Philip Mart and David Jones from its previous owners, the Birtwistle family.
Dunsop Trout Farm is one of the oldest in the UK and acts as a restocking farm for both brown and rainbow trout, replenishing fish supplies in rivers and reservoirs used by angling clubs. The business has three employees.
The six-acre farm is one of the few pieces of land in the area which is not owned by either Untied Utilities or the Duchy of Lancaster Whitewell Estate.
Mr Mart, who has been managing the farm since 2000, said: “We currently produce around 45 tonnes of fish annually for restocking, but we want to grow the business.
“As part of this buyout we are looking to increase production, as well as exploring other expansion opportunities including a smoking house and farm shop, which would allow us to move into retail too.”
The pair were advised by Preston-based law firm Harrison Drury Solicitors.
Associate David Filmer said: “This management buyout allows the previous owners to hand the business over to an experienced team and Philip and David have exciting plans to move the business forward through additional investment.”
