Local firm dishes up finance to help Ring O’Bells refurbishment

A West Kirby finance firm helped support the expansion of the Ring O’Bells pub.

Bathgate Business Finance’s asset finance deal for Stange & Co allowed an extensive kitchen fit-out of the Village Road pub.

As a large venue, employing around 50 members of staff from the local area, the kitchen fit-out was a sizable task, requiring significant investment and a more flexible and timely finance solution that traditional lenders were able to provide.

Dan McLennan, managing director at Stange & Co, said: “To fit out a kitchen in a large venue like the Ring O Bells we needed funding that was quicker turnaround, and more flexible. We didn’t want to sit on lots of money.

“We have worked with Gordon and Esther from Bathgate since 2016 now, and they have a deep understanding of our pubs and our business, so we didn’t hesitate to turn to them to help us find a solution for the Ring O’Bells. As well as the personal relationship, we also know that Bathgate can find those more flexible solutions, which was exactly what we were looking for.”

The deal took just less than two weeks to secure and pay out, and the Ring O Bells was able to open with its fully fitted-out kitchen, within six weeks of the deal.

Esther Rigby, from Bathgate Business Finance, said: “Having worked with Dan and the team at Stange & Co for more than eight years now, we really do have an understanding and passion for their business, so it was a pleasure to be able to help them secure finance for their latest venture.

“The fact that the Ring O’Bells is just around the corner from our own offices, and already having a great positive impact on our local community, is an added bonus. It is fantastic to see the pub thriving and a great honour to be able to visit and raise a glass to Dan and all his team. We’re looking forward to continuing to watch the group expand further, and offer our support wherever we can.”

Pictured above are: Esther Rigby (left) and Gordon Andrews (right) from Bathgate Business Finance, with Dan McLennan (centre) from Stange & Co. Photo credits: Andrew AB Photography