LUXURY glamping firm Further.Space is targeting 21 new sites by March 2022 after securing a £500,000 loan Whiterock Finance’s Growth Finance Fund.
The £30 million fund is provided by the British Business Bank, Invest NI and Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC).
It’s also accredited to lend under the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Further.Space’s business model involves partnering with rural landowners to create branded glamping pod sites, with the landowner becoming a host. It currently operations in a number of prominent tourism sites around the north and Scotland. It’s now targeting new sites in Donegal and the south of Endland.
The company said it’s planning to deploy 33 new pods across 2021 sites by July, rising to 109 pods in 21 sites by March 2022.
The 22 square ft aluminium pods are manufactured in-house and designed by Further.Space chief executive Peter Farquharson, who previously founded Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland. The pods include a shower room and can cater for two adults and two children.
“The funding from Whiterock will be essential as we look to expand on what we feel is a winning formula – our vision is to go beyond the ordinary and let customers stay somewhere exclusive, cosy and stylish with nature on their doorstep,” said Mr Farquharson.
“It has been a difficult year for people to find an escape from the pressure of Covid restrictions. We operate a self-check-in and self-catering service, and the individuality of the pods means that when restrictions allow, customers can holiday safely.”
James Thompson from Whiterock Finance added: “The pandemic has accelerated demand this year, the market for unique experience getaways has been growing year on year. Further.Space is providing a distinctive offering by working with local partners to diversify their land creating a sustainable market. We’re looking forward to see the company continue to grow.”
