MBO aiming to bring new spark to Preston fireplace firm

One of the managers at a Preston-based retailer and installer of luxury and bespoke fireplaces has carried out a management buyout.

Paddy Umpleby has acquired Burning Desires from founder and shareholder Sean Treaddell, for an undisclosed sum.

The company, which sells bespoke fireplaces and fire appliances to retail and trade customers across the region, was founded by Sean in 1991.

Paddy joined the company as a member of the sales team in 2010.

The corporate team at Harrison Drury solicitors, led by associate solicitor Timothy Grover, advised Paddy on the purchase of the business.

Danielle Jesson, from the firm’s 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.

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 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 said: “It’s a pleasure to hand 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.