By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The iconic Rueters building in Southport is being renovated and transformed into stylish new offices by a fast-growing local business.
The Lloyd Group has purchased the 19th century Victorian villa, which has been in a poor state of disrepair since the former restaurant and bar closed its doors two years ago.
Earlier this year Sefton Council refused planning permission submitted by a previous owner to demolish the building on Hoghton Street and replace it with a 23-space car park.
Instead, it will become the new headquarters for The Lloyd Group of companies, all of which will relocate from two separate offices situated on the opposite side of the street at numbers 9 and 15.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Both 9 and 15 Hoghton Street will now become available for sale or to-let through Fitton Estates in the near future.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd & Co Financial Planning said:
“We have operated from Hoghton Street for 12 years now, initially above the Office Bar in Dave Barron’s offices, then moving to number 15.
“We grew quickly and were bursting at the seams during Covid so we branched out to number 9, now that’s full too.
“We love the street; it’s the financial heartbeat of Southport and we were desperate to remain, but needed bigger premises to house our growing team of brilliant people.
“As soon as we were made aware the Rueters building could be available, we arranged a viewing. We knew immediately it had the potential to be the new home of Lloyd & Co. We made an offer and shook hands on the deal that very same afternoon.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“The building has been vacant for a while, but we were surprised by the level of disrepair it has fallen into. There is substantial renovation needed but we are committed to breathe new life into this historic building whilst maintaining as many original features as possible. It will be restored to a very high standard.
“From my experience many offices in our profession are devoid of personality with false ceilings, unkind lighting, clinically white walls and cheap coffee. We will ensure our new offices are professional but welcoming and full of character, just like our entire team.
“Like many, we were sad to see Rueters close. After frequenting the establishment on many an occasion we knew the layout downstairs, we were impressed with the amount of additional space to the first floor. We needed open plan along with private offices and the building lends itself to both these requirements well.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“We intend to be as creative as possible; this creativity will include the transformation of the courtyard area to a peaceful Zen Garden. We want to make the building a great place for our team to work and for our clients to visit.
“With parking at a premium on Hoghton Street, there were plans for the plot to become a car park. While that is still the case, this will only be four spaces, and solely for our clients.
“We will be sharing updates on our progress as we redevelop this amazing building.
“We are looking forward to getting our team under one roof. We currently employ 34 people across the group, and this has grown from 17 just three years ago. We are aiming to enjoy a similar level of growth in the next two years.
“ As well as recruiting experience we love to bring the right new people into our profession, giving them full support and investing in their qualifications.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It is incredibly exciting times for us, and this move is a big part of it.
“Lloyd & Co Financial Planning was launched in 2009 because we understood the issues and frustrations clients often had with traditional financial planning. We felt the profession was shrouded in mystery, people don’t know where to turn for financial advice and the fact that 95% of our clients are referrals from existing clients is testament to this. We invest the time to make certain the client understands the planning, from the products we have recommended to the charges and everything in between.
“However, our biggest catalyst for growth has without doubt been our focus on life coaching, making sure our clients live their best lives possible.
“Money does not buy happiness but with the right mindset it certainly can facilitate it. We work just as much with the mind and the heart as we do with the money.”
Along with the office move, this is also the year David intends to publish his first book.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
He said: “Everybody has a book in them, I’m really struggling to get mine out. I have been teasing it out now for a good few years and I am nearly there.
“It is called Dead Happy – because that is what we want our clients to (eventually) be. After achieving all they want in life, no stone unturned, table wiped clean, no regrets. A life lived to the full.”
David added: “If we can get the move completed and my book into the bargain bins it will be a great year.”
The Rueters site was constructed as a detached Victorian villa in the 19th century.
The building itself is undesignated but adjoins the Grade II Listed 22-24 Hoghton Street and the similarly Listed Hoghton Chambers further along the street.
David Lloyd, Director of Lloyd and Co Financial Planning is revamping the former Rueters restaurant and bar on Hoghton Street in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Reuters announced its closure on Sunday 29th May 2022 as award-winning operator Matt Howard, who was previously awarded the Publican of the Year title by Punch Pubs, paid tribute to his “amazing team”.
Matt blamed the rising costs facing the hospitality industry for Reuters’ closure.
Since then, the building has fallen into increasing disrepair with a lack of interest to find a new operator to take over the premises.
- For more details about Lloyd & Co Financial Planning Services visit: www.lloydfp.co.uk
The Lloyd Group of companies include Lloyd & Co. Financial Planning, Employee Benefits, Insurance Services, Trust & Estates and Capital Allowances.
The Lloyd Group of companies include Lloyd & Co. Financial Planning, Employee Benefits, Insurance Services, Trust & Estates and Capital Allowances.
David said “ We have great experience in each of the specialisms and all companies are enjoying the same growth as the original financial planning business as they are all built on the same ethos with complete focus on client service levels and client outcomes.”
- To learn more about any of the Lloyd Group companies go to: www.lloydgrp.co.uk
Or even pop in for one of their professionally prepared coffees, I would not do it just yet though or they might pop a hard hat on you and stick a sledgehammer in your hands.
Lloyd & Co Financial Planning, Employee Benefits and Insurance Services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority numbers 548625, 830383 and 930142
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