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Bookshop manager hopes to buy shop when owners retire
The manager of one of Bristol’s best bookshops has started a crowdfunding campaign in order to help him raise the required money to buy the shop he has worked at since it opened in 2021.
Darran McLaughlin envisages Bookhaus in Wapping Wharf continuing as “Bristol’s radical home” as he hopes to take it on from founders and current owners Kevin and Jayne Ramage who are both retiring.
McLaughlin, who has worked in the book industry for many years as well as being a political activist, wants to “carry on our legacy” that he has helped build with Kevin and Jayne
McLaughlin said he is “determined to do this, but I lack the money to buy it”.
“I am a working class Black man who grew up in a single parent household on a council estate, so I am not able to ask my family for money and banks aren’t keen to fund independent bookshops.
“This is why I am creating this crowdfunder; in the hope that our customers and fans will contribute towards keeping Bookhaus as Bristol’s radical home.”
Bookhaus regularly hosts author events and panel discussion – photo: Bookhaus
McLaughlin needs to raise £25,000 for the business itself and £43,000 for the stock.
He has already entered into a partnership with Phil Wrigglesworth, a senior lecturer at UWE and founder of Left Cultures magazine and has £25,000 already in place, so is looking to raise £45,000.
“The bookshop is a sustainable business and has been growing organically,” McLaughlin added.
“By supporting our crowdfunder you will be part of ensuring that Bookhaus continues to develop as Bristol’s home of radical literature.”
For more information and to contribute to the fundraiser, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bookhaus—bristols-radical-home
Main photo: Martin Booth
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