Woodhouse Management Buyout: Dan Hassall Becomes Owner

LH Woodhouse has announced the completion of a planned management buyout, through which Managing Director Dan Hassall has taken ownership of the business as long-time steward Tony Marsh steps back ahead of retirement.

Tony and the Marsh family have led Woodhouse for more than 30 years. When they acquired the business in 1995, Woodhouse already carried a rich history of innovation and service that stretches back more than 135 years, including the invention of the first temporary stables in 1933. Over the past three decades, Tony’s stewardship has strengthened the company’s capability, reputation and long-standing partnerships across the equestrian, agricultural and wider events sectors.

A planned transition and continuity in leadership

Dan has been leading Woodhouse as Managing Director for almost four years. The management buyout formalises the leadership already in place and provides long-term clarity for clients, suppliers and the Woodhouse team.

Business as usual for clients and suppliers

There are no changes to how the business is organised, nor to its operational base in Cotgrave. Woodhouse will continue to design, manufacture and install temporary stables and event structures across the UK and internationally. The same team remains in place, with the same high standards clients have come to expect.

Reflecting on his tenure, Tony Marsh said:

“Woodhouse has been my life’s work for more than 30 years. When we acquired the business in 1995 from the Woodhouse family, it already had a long history of innovation and service. From introducing their first temporary stables in 1933, to supplying clearspan, shedding and stabling systems at major events throughout the UK and as the suppliers to both the Barcelona and London Olympics.

“Throughout that time, quality, care and long-standing partnerships have guided what we do and why we do it. I’m very proud of our Woodhouse teams, the standards we’ve upheld and the clients, partners and suppliers who have trusted us through the years.

“As part of my planned transition from ownership, finding the right custodian for the business was important to me. Dan has shown steady leadership and a clear commitment to the values that define Woodhouse, and I am confident the company is in capable hands as it moves into its next chapter. I wish Dan the best of luck and continuing success with this great business.”

“Today I’ve taken ownership of Woodhouse through a management buyout. I’ve been leading the business as Managing Director for almost four years, so this isn’t a change in direction. It’s a long-term commitment to something I care deeply about and to continuing the work we’ve been building together.

“For our team, clients and suppliers, it’s business as usual. You’ll see the same people, the same standards and the same way of working that has built our reputation.

“Tony and the Marsh family have led this business with care and conviction for more than three decades. That leadership and those values will continue to guide us as we move forward.

“Taking ownership means we back ourselves to keep improving in how we design, how we deliver and in the standards we help shape across our sector.”

Dan Hassall, Owner & Managing Director, Woodhouse

Looking Ahead

Woodhouse remains focused on welfare-led design and engineering strength. It will continue to deliver reliably at scale. As expectations around welfare, sustainability and performance evolve across the sectors it serves, the business will continue investing in its people, strengthening its engineering capability and supporting clients with dependable, forward-thinking solutions.

With more than 135 years of heritage behind it, Woodhouse enters this next chapter with the same values, the same team and a clear focus on the future.