Case study
| Region/Nation | Yorkshire and Humber |
|---|---|
| Sector | Arts, Entertainment and Leisure |
| Programme | Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II |
| Partner |
Yorkshire indoor climbing operator, Freeklime, secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to expand its business with the launch of a third venue.
Freeklime, which currently has centres in Huddersfield and York, has already started construction at the new site in Lincoln, which is due to open early next year. The funding will enable it to complete the fit-out and create seven new jobs.
Freeklime was founded by climbing enthusiast Chris Whitehead, the Managing Director, and his father Rob, a serial entrepreneur who runs the Serious Sweet Confectionery Group in Harrogate and acts as a Non-Executive Director. They launched the Huddersfield centre in 2019, and York in 2023. Between them, the two sites now attract around 100,000 visitors a year and have over 1,000 members on monthly subscriptions.
The company, which currently employs 16 staff, aims to have five profitable sites by 2030 with a turnover of £3m. Freeklime specialises in bouldering, a form of climbing at heights of below 5m, avoiding the need for harnesses and ropes and using crash mats for protection. Bouldering uses short, explosive movements and focuses on problem solving and building strength.
Bouldering is a very inclusive sport that offers fitness and mental health benefits. It is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and a great way to spend time with family and friends. Our centres have a real community feel and we try hard to make new climbers feel welcome. The funding will enable us to expand outside Yorkshire for the first time in line with our long-term growth plans and our mission to make climbing accessible to a wider audience. - Chris Whitehead Managing Director of Freeklime
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