Sportsitalia…the end

[Scaf]

I am sure Matt will be exploring all options but does make you wonder if buying an existing operation and renegotiating the lease might be an option - something like this……

Much smaller but ………

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[midlifecrisis]

The one making the easy money is the landlord. £35k lease, £29k profit from 90k turnover...

 

[Scaf]

The one making the easy money is the landlord. £35k lease, £29k profit from 90k turnover...

The way I read it, he is selling the business for £35k
Lease is to be negotiated.

But I am not proposed this as a business proposition- more of a way into established premises which are hard to find.

 

[Harry]

The way I read it, he is selling the business for £35k
Lease is to be negotiated.

But I am not proposed this as a business proposition- more of a way into established premises which are hard to find.

I still like your idea of some individuals on the forum investing in a freehold. I would be interested!

 

[dem maser]

I still like your idea of some individuals on the forum investing in a freehold. I would be interested!

I could do the financing and contracts

 

[RodTungsten]

I could do the financing and contracts

I get the feeling that a few of us would support a setup. Beats buying beasts for Hungerford Common!

 

[CatmanV2]

I still like your idea of some individuals on the forum investing in a freehold. I would be interested!

I have to say, it sounds like a bolted on profit op. I've got a couple of gobstoppers and a Wether's I could stand to be without for a while.....

But seriously. I'd be interested in looking at any such, even at the very very low end of the investment scale

C

 

[Devonboy]

I have some very sad news regarding SportsItalia and appreciate that many of you already knew and out of respect have not posted it on here and I thank you all for that.

The landlord, out of the blue, actioned our 2 month license which ultimately has forced us to close, permanently. There was never any issue with money and we fought the landlord, offering 50% more pa and a whole year of rent up front.

Alas he did not accept and we probably fell victim to the hatred for the motor trade. We had not upset him and regularly consulted with him as to any issues we might be causing. A slight moan about the amount of cars on site but were assured it was not an issue.

The knife wound for me is still open and bleeding but they say time is a great healer.

We will be back but probably not this year.

Customers have been in tears upon collection, seeing all the equipment being torn down.

We thank you for all your support over an amazing 5 years and the feedback has been that we did it right.

You are spot on, you did do it right and as such - this should and must hurt. Time now to build Sportsitalia V2 - Bigger and even better! Onwards and upwards

 

[Gazcw]

I don't think Matt's ever been north of 'Demitri's Authentic Turkish Kebabs' in Stevenage.

You are forgetting Northampton.

 

[DLax69]

You are forgetting Northampton.

Doesn't everyone?

 

[Scaf]

You are forgetting Northampton.

It’s North of Watford so what did you expect.

 

[rockits]

Yes anywhere near here, and I’ve seen some fabulous units, generally state ‘no motor trade’. I do know of some units locally that will become available, @conaero, you’re properly darn sarf in Chichester, where does the nose bleed kick in? M4? Could you brave it up north? We’re all alright up ‘ere. New lease of life a move….

You wonder in today's crazy woke world that this would be seen as not inclusive and discrimination to be punished with 25 years behind bars!

 

[Gazcw]

It’s North of Watford so what did you expect.

I think you will find Watford is after J16, the last junction for Northampton and therefore Northampton is south of Watford!

 

[allandwf]

Crowd fund?

 

[jonny]

I still like your idea of some individuals on the forum investing in a freehold. I would be interested!

Me too.

 

[rs48635]

pffft. How long have ai been away?
Really bad news for Matt and team in the here and now. Had no idea commercial premises were so precarious.
If the SI team have drive to go again, then sure something will emerge. Personally have buttons to contribute today, but certain a crowdfund / kick starter would raise plenty of funds. Some member here clearly in positions to be genuine investors ( if that were palatable) but many more happy to be "friends of". Just to have a windows sticker and some preferential booking would be enough.
The kickstarter model already works in book publishing ( see Modern Toss) where crowdfunders provide cash to get books printed. Contributors get their name in the book as thanks ( plus free book?)

 

[Jnismith]

So sorry to hear this Matt, you were the best garage I found for my car. I really hope you can find new premises and make a fresh start.

 

[Ali355]

Really sorry to hear this. I am at the other end of the country to you but with a few niggles on my GT starting to annoy me I had made a mental note to contact you this week to see if I could get it booked in for some fettling. I know from experience with other marques that good specialists are worth travelling to. I hope you find a replacement base soon and continue to do great work.

 

[bigsteve]

Sad news indeed, best garage I have ever used ( and I am 72 ). Really hope you mange to set up a new garage soon. Good luck for the future to you and the team.

 

[stevo]

Very sad news indeed. I know how much it meant to you Matt and its amazing to see all the great comments from all the members. Hopefully we will see the rise of Spirts Italia 2.0 next year. You have the support of all of us