r/Glasgow Tools

Founding member here. Last update was as follows

Dear Founding Members,

As promised our current update regarding opening is as follows:

- We have nearly finalised the contract with 123 Renewables. They were slow to send it but the ball is currently in our court. They wanted to begin work on Thursday of last week (19th) but we weren’t ready for this having only received the contract and proposed dates on Tuesday the 17th.
- Their next availability is Monday the 13th of June which is the date we are currently trying to lock in
- The way the funding package works a drawdown can only be made once all works are complete and inspected. We are therefore aiming to book other contractor(s) very tightly after heating system proposed completion date
- Works will take approximately 3 weeks for heating and 2 weeks for rest (subject to materials availability)
- In theory this should see proposed works done by the 18th of July although we hope even with any unexpected delays we can complete by the end of July
- Our aim will be to open the external area again as soon as possible with Lounge in the Lane 2.0. We will be doing so in partnership with the same partners who helped us last time with the aim of avoiding previously made mistakes. Dates to be confirmed.
- The next will be the café which at this point won’t require that much (furnishing, painting & decorating, flooring, equipment) – dates to be announced closer to the time
- Additional funding will be needed and actively sought for bar opening and basement.
- Cashflow will not only put our business in a much healthier position but allow us to rekindle conversations of investment with parties who wanted to see turnover before making an investment.

We would like to once again apologise if anyone feels misled by our Founding Memberships. We were trying to project a professional image through the marketing we created around them as this is what we would like to be when we open. We have also tried to sell people on something exciting rather than seeking sympathy. Our message on the memberships was (taken from the website and similar on our crowdfunding campaign):

“As a Graphite Founding Member, you will be showing your support by putting your shoulder to the wheel helping us bring Beresford Lounge to Glasgow.”

“Bronze Founding Members go that extra step in making the dream of Beresford Lounge a reality in Glasgow.”

“Silver Founding Members are at the forefront of our cause – people of resilience and courage who are determined to bring Beresford Lounge to Glasgow!”

“Gold Founding Members are veritable champions of this project, going above and beyond to make the dream of Beresford Lounge a reality in Glasgow.”

“Diamond Founding Members are the crusaders who will stop at nothing to bring the dream of Beresford Lounge to Glasgow and its community.”

The usual course of action for opening a business like ours is to quietly develop the concept, seek any additional funding required through investment and create excitement once open.

This would not have worked in the unusual times all of us had to face and continue to face. We have therefore taken unusual journey which has been far from perfect. We have made many mistakes so far and can’t promise we won’t make any more going forward. We are a start-up business ran by people who may err. However, we don’t believe involving you was one of the mistakes we have made. Your support, patience and even asking the tough questions to hold us accountable are all greatly appreciated.

When we do finally fully open we will do everything in our power to make Beresford Lounge as special and rewarding for you as we promised.