Case Studies

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.

Western Marinas Limited, and its portfolio of subsidiaries, was incorporated on April 16, 2024, and Harwood Private Capital, as part of its UK SME fund in which the British Business Bank has invested, provided an £8.25m senior secured term loan (including a £2m co-investment) to support restoration of the marina and surrounding areas.

Reel Film, a video production company in Wetherby, sought a £70,000 loan through the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) to expand the business. Facing a shift in the industry towards short content projects, the loan allowed Reel Film to grow its marketing and sales efforts and hire a dedicated business development team.

Founded in 2020, Kris Ball launched The Padel Club after recognising its rising popularity while working abroad. With no courts available in his local area, Wilmslow, Kris decided to start the business in the anticipation that demand for the sport would take off.

Light Rave Studio’s Founder, Aitanna, set up her business in 2022 and took out a Start Up Loan that year to fund expansion. Aitanna received two Start Up Loans, totalling £14,500. 

When Beth Heath used a Bounce Back Loan to protect her business in Shropshire, the loan not only boosted the cashflow of her award-winning festival company, but also gave her an opportunity to support her local community during lockdown.

Press on Vinyl received a £350,000 investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, through fund manager FW Capital, which will enable it to grow and to create as many as 46 new jobs in the region over the next three years

Gymfinity Kids, established in 2017, operate a series of activity clubs for children aged 3+ across six sites.