Shop worker uses redundancy payoff to start up his own paddleboard business in North Wales

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A shop worker made redundant in the pandemic has used his redundancy package to start a new paddleboard business.

Shane Williams had worked at a surf store but was placed on furlough during lockdown and later laid off.

At that point he had fears about securing new employment and decided to start up his own venture in North Wales.

This has seen him launch Ride North – offering inflatable paddleboard and kayak hire from Dolgarrog as the popularity of the water sports grow.

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He said: “Having been placed on furlough with my previous employer and then sadly made redundant I decided to use my connections and redundancy pay to start Ride North from home with the job market looking bleak. I decided to create my own employment.

“The idea is that customers book online and then come to us to pick up the equipment and after a short demonstration they are then free for the day (or longer) or explore the national park.

“The business has taken off very well and we have had a strong first few weeks.

“It is short season but we will still be available through the winter for hardcore users and hope to get a strong beginning next season.”

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