Bell Tent Village, a Nottingham-based supplier of glamping equipment, has secured over £90k of funding with support from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans to invest in facilities for its new glamping site. The funding was obtained through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).
Bell Tent Village supplies glamping equipment worldwide, offering a wide range of tents, stoves and flooring to outdoor enthusiasts and other B2B clients with special trade prices. The business recently established a glamping site within Holme Pierrepont Country Park, making it an excellent destination for family getaways.
Bell Tent Village was established by Levi Lowther, who was inspired by a family camping trip to create a comfortable and sanitised outdoor experience by blending nature and comfort.
With Levi’s proven success in e-commerce and his wife’s extensive background with over 15 years of expertise in managing accommodations and events, this idea was transformed into a tangible business.
The funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund has been primarily directed towards establishing essential facilities for the development of the glamping site at Holme Pierrepont. This includes installation of toilets and showers, fitting out the bell tents with fixtures and fittings, and carrying out the necessary groundwork.
First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans provides government-backed business loans ranging from £500 – £250,000 for start-ups and SMEs that are unable to borrow from traditional high-street lenders. The not-for-profit organisation reinvests any surplus into loan funds to further support economic growth and job creation in the local communities.
Levi Lowther, Founder of Bell Tent Village, commented: “The funding has facilitated the establishment of our highly distinctive glamping site in Nottinghamshire, contributing to the growth of the local visitor economy and employment opportunities within the city. I am grateful for the incredible support provided by First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans and the dedication of my advisor, which significantly contributed to the success of my application.”
Stefan Nycz, Investment Manager at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, commented: “Working with Levi on this proposal was a real joy. His passion and enthusiasm for his business is infectious, and customers to the new glamping site at Pierrepoint are in for a treat”.
Mark Wilcockson, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, commented: “The Midlands Engine Investment Fund invests in small businesses with growth potential across the Midlands region. Levi’s expertise and passion for the business looks set to take Bell Tent Village to the next level. MEIFs investment will help the business to grow, create local jobs and boost the region’s economy.”
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank.
