Messingham Grange, formerly known as Grange Park, is a multi-purpose leisure facility, golf club and holiday site in Lincolnshire. John and Georgina Aisthorpe bought the business in April 2019 after more than 15 years of experience running successful leisure park businesses in Skegness, Norfolk and now, Messingham.
Luxury lodges, two golf courses, a fishing lake, a bar and restaurant and much more are set against a stunning backdrop of Lincolnshire countryside. The diverse site also hosts weddings and special events that are ideal for corporate events and socialising with friends and family.
Messingham Grange truly is a family affair across the board. John and Georgina’s children, Jake and Amelia, are an integral part of the business, managing operations and conservation & ecology respectively. There are also 29 other employees who work across events and hospitality, golfing, catering, housekeeping and the on-site Clubhouse.
The Aisthorpe’s have been Duncan & Toplis clients for 15 years, and we’ve assisted them in the buying and selling of three leisure park businesses during this time. John and Georgina purchased Messingham Grange, their largest venture yet, in Spring 2019.
The purchasing of Messingham Grange and former businesses were supported by Duncan & Toplis director, Mark Taylor. Mark and the team at Duncan & Toplis support Messingham Grange with a range of accountancy and tax services, including payroll, cloud accounting, annual accounts, tax planning and day-to-day business advice.
Mark said: “I’ve built a really strong relationship with John and Georgina over the years. We’ve been there every step of the way along their journey, particularly during the sale and acquisition of businesses; this has included going along to Messingham Grange before John and Georgina purchased the site to ensure they were getting the very best deal possible.”
“As well as providing the necessary tax and accountancy support, we’re also on hand to advise on business matters. Raising finance is essential when new assets such as luxury lodges, which can be extremely expensive, are purchased, so we liaise with their financial team to get what they need so they can continue to expand and develop the business.”
Georgina said: “I became a part of the family business when I married John. He owned a caravan park 20 years ago, and since then we’ve worked together - and now with our children - to manage several successful leisure parks. Having family in the business is really beneficial because our two children, Amelia and Jake, along with Amelia’s partner Jake, are all learning and growing with the business. We hope that in the future, they’ll take the reins.”
“Mark’s support and advice has been absolutely invaluable. I wouldn’t be anywhere without him,” said Georgina, “He always helps us get the best deals and this was especially useful when we purchased Messingham Grange. Mark has supported us hugely during this period of change and as we look to build and grow the business. We’re extremely busy with weddings, events and much more year-round so it’s important that we have access to day-to-day accountancy and business support, as well as tailored advice.”
“We trust Mark entirely and he’s always helping us take our services to the next level.”
“If I call, he’s there - even if he’s on holiday! He’s extremely invested and dedicated to our business, our family and our success. Outsourcing to Duncan & Toplis makes my job a lot easier and knowing I can rely on Mark’s expertise means I can get on with doing what I do best.”
For more details visit messinghamgrange.com.
