Pictured: Lisa Lugton, former owner of Frankie and Lola’s soft play centre and Bistro and Simon Fraser of Business Partnership.
In a first for the Highlands, Islands, Moray and Perth, all will now be covered by one of the country’s largest independent brokers, Business Partnership, after Inverness man, Simon Fraser was inspired to set up his own franchise in the Highland capital.
The 29-year-old experienced businessman and former banker, decided to take the plunge after being hugely impressed by the way the company handled the sale of a large commercial business belonging to a close family member earlier this year.
Mr Fraser said:
“My fiancée’s Mother was selling her indoor soft play business, Frankie and Lola’s, in Inverness.
“Initially, I thought that it may be more challenging selling the business during the coronavirus pandemic.
“However once Business Partnership became involved it was clear they had made the right decision.
“It sold within a matter of days largely due to the professionalism, negotiating experience and the vast network of connections the company has across the UK.
“The sale was driven by Business Partnership’s west of Scotland branch, namely Raymond Blin, as the company did not have a presence in the north of Scotland at that time.
“It became clear to me that there was a gap in the market.
“There was no one else offering this type of one-to-one dedicated bespoke service in the Highlands and Islands, Moray or Perth.”
He added:
“I’m passionate about ensuring we have a strong and vibrant business sector and community in this beautiful part of the world, which I’m lucky enough to call home.
“I have a number of years of experience in business sales and commercial property estate agency as well as considerable local market knowledge so becoming part of the Business Partnership Network seemed like the ideal opportunity for me to offer this unique tailor-made service to clients in the North of Scotland.”
The father of one, who hopes over time to be able to expand the business and potentially create job opportunities in the local area for others within the company, says he believes the business does truly offer an engaging personal tailored service.
He said:
“When you are selling or buying a business it’s so important that you have someone in your corner.
“It’s about having that one-to-one support throughout the whole process from valuation right through to final completion.
“Ultimately of course it’s about ensuring that we get the best possible deal for the client.”
Lisa Lugton, founder and former owner of Frankie and Lola’s indoor soft play activity centre and bistro, said:
“When selling a business, it’s absolutely vital that you have the right people around you, both representing and indeed supporting you, throughout the process.
“Not only were Business Partnership extremely professional and pro-active, they achieved a successful sale for us in a very short time.
“I have no doubt that without them our business would most likely still be on the market.
“In addition, they forged an excellent working relationship with our solicitors, MacPhee & Partners LLP in Fort William, and together, they provided us with an outstanding level of service.”
She added:
“Simon watched the sale closely and was so impressed with the knowledge, support and negotiation skills that he decided to take the plunge and set up his own branch of the company in the Highlands.
“This is excellent news for anyone who is trying to sell or indeed buy a business in this area.
“I cannot recommend Business Partnership enough and I am delighted that this level of service is now available in the Highlands.”
Raymond Blin, Business Partnership’s partner in the west of Scotland, said:
“I believe Simon will be a huge asset to the team. His background knowledge in business sales, commercial property estate agency and the local market makes him an ideal addition to the Business Partnership team.”
Gary Somers of Fort William based solicitors and estate agents, MacPhee & Partners LLP, said:
“Business Partnership provided a very professional service to our clients who were selling Frankie and Lola’s indoor soft play centre and Bistro.
“Our experience of dealing with Business Partnership has been extremely positive and we are now happy to recommend them to our own clients where possible.”
If you are looking to buy or sell a business in the Highlands, Islands, Moray or Perth, contact Simon Fraser at Business Partnership on 01463 830391 or Simon.Fraser@business-partnership.com
