A wedding car company owner is hanging up his chauffeur's hat
George Riddell (69) of Top Class, Inverness has decided that it is time to call it a day – but wants someone from the city to consider taking on the business.
Mr Riddell said that he has been to thousands of events since he took over the wedding car hire, executive chauffeur hire, and sightseeing tours business in 2006, and wants someone to enjoy the job as much as he has over the years.
He said: "I am sadly needing to give up for my health.
"There is a good demand for the cars but I am finding it more and more difficult to keep going.
"I moved from working in finance to do the cars, as it was something a wee bit different, and over the years it has been great fun. But I have just run out of the energy that is needed to do the job.
"I really want to sell it to someone local as there are so many people who want to book the cars for weddings or special events, that it would make a really nice business for them.
"I am not selling the whole business, because I want to make it affordable for whoever can take it on. For someone it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Mr Riddell is selling three vintage-style cars with bookings in place for over the next year. He is selling an Imperial Viscount, a Beaufort bridal car and an Asquith Mascot wedding coach.
He added: "I really should have retired when I was 60 and it just didn't happen. I think when you start a conversation with someone about the hire of the cars for their special day, you then want to be there to see it through.
"I would hate to let anyone down.
"Now I am 69 and my health has taken a toll on me, and I need to find someone to take on the business. I am able to manage the chauffeur hire and the sightseeing tours, but my primary concern is to get someone to take on the weddings.
"I already have 30-40 inquiries for next year, as well as people who have changed their dates of their weddings due to the pandemic.
"I have been ill and receiving treatment for a serious health issue, and I am now at desperation stage to find a new owner."
Mr Riddell can be contacted on email at www.chauffeursinverness.com