An Aberdeen bed shop has been bought over by a long-standing employee after the owner and founder decided to retire after almost 40 years.
Bedz 2 Go, located on Clair Street, has been purchased by Lewis Cradock after the owner Ian Smith stepped down.
Mr Cradock has worked at the firm for 17 years, and wants to use his experience to increase profits by 20% over the next five years by growing his client base and introducing an e-commerce platform to the brand’s website.
The firm was founded in 1982 and sells bed frames, mattresses and bedroom furniture.
Some of its larger clients include the Great Western Hotel, the Douglas Hotel and Winchesters Lettings.
As a result of the acquisition Mr Cradock secured the future of the business, including the jobs of five full-time and part-time employees.
The business used the £100,000 loan from Bank of Scotland to take full ownership of the company.
Mr Cradock said: “The general public is our bread and butter, making up almost 70% of our customer base.
“However, we have seen more business from landlords in recent years as the rental market faces demand from tenants looking for modern furnishings.
“When I discovered Ian was retiring, I knew I wanted to step in and take over the business.
“Thanks to Bank of Scotland and its relationship team, I was able to take over the premises and keep a local business alive in the Aberdeen community.
“I am now looking to move some of our sales online to try and expand our customer-base and keep up with what is an increasingly digital world.”
Scott Murray, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s extremely important to us to help local businesses in and around Aberdeen thrive.
“Being able to support businesses like Bedz 2 Go means jobs have been saved and the new owner can reach his growth ambitions in a competitive market.”
