After being closed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then failing to reopen afterwards, RUDDINGTON.info confirmed in June that, sadly, The Children’s Society Shop in our village was no more.
It was a relatively short tenure at 2, Easthorpe Street for the kids’ charity, which only moved here early in 2018. Perhaps, being Ruddington’s third charity shop, it never quite achieved the custom they had hoped, despite their best efforts – with two different managers during its two years.
Now the future of the premises has been revealed – as the new home of Lavin Business Solutions. The company’s owner and director Ben Lavin has confirmed he’s bought the building as his brand new base. He picked up the keys on Tuesday (28th September).
“Ruddington is the new ‘Lavin HQ’!” says Ben. “I am primarily a commercial finance broker providing all kinds of lending from asset and invoice finance, to business acquisitions, cash flow lending, business restructuring, development funding etc but also do some business consultancy and general business services.”
Ahead of relocating his company from Chilwell, he adds: “We’re a very small team at the moment but looking to grow (in the businesses 4th year of trading). My family and I are moving into Ruddington later this year so really want to be part of the local community – hence moving my business here also. Exciting times are ahead!”
Longer term residents of Ruddington will recall the historic building at the corner of Easthorpe Street and High Street has seen a number of different tenants over the years. Before being The Children’s Society Shop, the premises had a brief period as Crusader Gifts clearance shop after a few years being run as an additional branch of Something Special. Going back further still, the shop was a haven of colourful and garish outfits as Crusader’s “Fancy Dress” shop – before such outlets went out of fashion!
We’re sure residents and other village centre businesses will join us in welcoming Ben and his team as they relocate to Ruddington. Meantime, you can contact him on 07841 047 974 or by emailing ben@lavin.co.uk.
