Branston Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire is under new ownership following a management buyout. The club, which first opened in 1994, has been under the ownership of the Kerry family for the past 25 years. Owner Roger Kerry, 79, accepted a management buy-out offer for the Burton-on-Trent-based club from a group of local business people, one of whom, Ben Laing, is the managing director at Branston.
The new owners are all local to the club, with strong family connections. In addition to Laing, the other members of the buyout group are Steve and Francesca Sharp, and Marcus and Abby Litting.
Commenting on the sale, Mr Kerry said: “As I approach my 80th birthday, and after 25 years of hard work establishing a premium facility serving a large and loyal membership, I wanted to make sure that anybody taking over the club would continue the high standards and offerings that underpin Branston. I’m therefore delighted that the club will continue to operate under independent ownership and with strong local connections.”
Laing, who has been at Branston since 2013, said: “Branston was Roger’s initial concept and vision, despite many people saying a premium club would not work in this area. He has overseen all stages in the successful growth and evolution of Branston over the past 25 years, and we are delighted that he will continue to support the club and the new management team going forward.”
He added: “We are all passionate about retaining the core values of Branston and its independent ownership, which continues to differentiate the club from anything else in the region. I will continue as managing director and oversee the day-to-day operational delivery of all aspects of Branston.”
Regarding the immediate future of the club, Laing said: “It is very much ‘business as usual’ for us, and the premium proposition across all aspects of Branston facilities will therefore be retained as a unique USP and integral part of the offering to both members and guests. Looking to the future we have reserved a significant amount of investment funding as part of our business plan. Branston has always invested in the facilities and services, and this will continue as we develop all aspects of the club.”
Facilities at Branston Golf & Country Club currently include an 18-hole championship course, 9-hole academy course, driving range and pro shop, clubhouse, swimming pool, hot tub and spa area, conference, banqueting and wedding function rooms. The club also offers a creche, an independently-owned hair and beauty salon, treatment rooms and physio services.