Heron swoops for Market Town Taverns

Market Town Taverns, which operates ale and wine bars in North and West Yorkshire, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by the Isle of Man-based hospitality operator, Heron and Brearley.

Founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Ian Fozard, Knaresborough-based Market Town Taverns has 15 taverns which offer real ales from independent brewers.

Its portfolio of ale and wine bars includes Bar t’at in Ilkley, which takes its name from the Yorkshire anthem – On Ilkla Mooar Baht’at.

It also runs Veritas, on Great George Street in Leeds, and The Swan on the Stray in Harrogate, which is an old coaching inn.

During 2005 all of the company’s taverns banned smoking, after research suggested it would be a popular move with real ale lovers.

Yesterday, Mr Fozard said Market Town Taverns has been holding its own in a difficult market.

It employs around 200 staff, and turnover increased last year from £5.2m to around £6.6m.

Heron and Brearley already operates a managed estate of 48 houses. Forty three of these are in the Isle of Man, four are based in the north west and one is in Wales. Its portfolio includes an in-house brewery, Okells, which was founded in 1850. It also runs an estate of Spar convenience stores and Trade Distribution, a transport and logistic service.

The new owners have said there is to be “no fundamental change” at Market Town Taverns.

Managing director Mr Fozard has agreed to remain in the post for at least a year.

Mr Fozard said yesterday: “We are pleased that the values and unique customer proposition which have contributed to our success during the past 12 years have been recognised by Heron and Brearley, an operator that shares our own view that quality of service and product are paramount in today’s difficult trading environment.

“I am confident our joint expertise and the support of our staff will help realise our aspirations and lead to continued success and growth.

“I would also like to thank our 30 or so shareholders who supported me in 1999 when I formed the company.

“I am pleased that Market Town Taverns is in good hands with new owners who share our operating philosophy.”

Steven Taylor, group retail director at Heron and Brearley, said: “Market Town Taverns is a well-run operation and its business model, with a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service, complements our own philosophy.”

Mr Taylor said the acquisition presented Heron and Brearley with an opportunity to strengthen its foothold in the UK.

In the longer term, Heron and Brearley plans to expand across the north of England after developing a base in Yorkshire.

Mr Taylor added: “Staff career development opportunities, both in the Isle of Man and Yorkshire, are also envisaged.”

Mr Fozard added: “Heron and Brearley wanted to continue to grow and were looking for acquisition opportunities.

“We are going to be the focus for their UK operations. It’s an ideal transaction. Everything we have built up remains intact.”

Following the deal, Market Town Taverns will trade as an autonomous subsidiary of Heron and Brearley, Mr Fozard said.

Earlier this year, Mr Fozard revealed that he was buying Knaresborough-based Rooster’s Brewery from Sean and Alison Franklin for an undisclosed sum.

The sale is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Mr Fozard’s sons, Oliver and Tom, will help to run the Rooster’s business.

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