Apprentice star opens outlet in Mansfield

The Pud Store, which is run by ex-Apprentice contestant Frances Bishop, has expanded into a new site in Mansfield with funding from Barclays.

Established in 2014, The Pud Store was originally launched as a pop-up store in Nottingham by Bishop. Her first permanent retail outlet was opened at Kingsgate, Doncaster, followed with the launch of her second shop in Newark. The business sells a range of designer brand and boutique childrenswear.

Bishop said: “I am delighted that we’re bucking the retail trend with our latest expansion in to Mansfield. Shopping with children shouldn’t have to be stressful and rushed and in our stores we try our very best to make it an enjoyable experience. The new site in Mansfield will provide the same amazing brands that we know our customers love at outlet prices and with the emphasis on our unique in-store experience.”

The Pud Store currently employs seven people across South Yorkshire and East Midlands and this will increase with the launch of the new store.

Ben Reasbeck, Barclays business manager put together the funding package for the deal and said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Frances and her team to Barclays and to be able to provide the funding for her ambitious expansion plans. Frances’s eye for detail, vision for the future and commitment to the business is key to her success and we’re committed to supporting Frances on her journey and future growth plans.”

Local MP Ben Bradley officially opened the Mansfield and said: “It’s great to see a business growing and expanding, and opening a new store here in Mansfield. Pud is something different, I don’t think there’s anything else locally like it and I’ve enjoyed browsing through the store on numerous occasions since it opened. I hope that Pud can go from strength to strength in Mansfield.”