A wedding venue forced to close its doors during lockdown, has secured £50k funding from Barclays via the BBLS (Bounce Back Loan Scheme), the Government-backed loan scheme. The finance has ensured the business remained viable during following a difficult time for the whole hospitality industry.
Alkincoats Ltd is a subsidiary of Browsholme Hall, a landed estate set in the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Lancashire. Browsholme Hall, pronounced ‘Brewzum’, has been the home of the Parker Family since 1507.
In 2010, the family diversified into a high-end wedding/corporate hospitality venue with luxury ‘glamping’ accommodation, but, following lockdown on 23rd March, the business was forced to close its doors resulting in the loss of income stream from Alkincoats Ltd.
The majority of the Group’s staff were furloughed, however, the business has had to retain a skeleton team to ensure the grounds remain secure and well maintained as well as continuing to service the costs of running the various building across the Estate.
Commenting on the funding, Amanda Parker said, “This has been an unparalleled time for our industry, but the process of applying for a Bounce Back Loan was slick and easy and we now have the confidence to get through the challenges of lockdown whilst keeping the business ticking over and protecting our staff and supply chain.
She continued, “I would personally like to thank Wayne from Barclays and my team for all their efforts, and we look forward to welcoming guests back to the Estate. Micro-weddings are now providing the opportunity for couples to concentrate on the people who are most important to them. Browsholme has the perfect setting for these smaller events and we’ve seen an upsurge in enquires since restrictions were relaxed.”
Barclays Relationship Manager, Wayne Ellison, said, “Over the last 10 years, Amanda and the team have built up an extraordinary business. Their growing success is reflected by their popularity and positive reviews. When the business was impacted, our understanding of the customer and our long-standing relationship with its owners made a huge difference. This meant securing jobs within the local community, providing vital liquidity to the business and ultimately protecting the short and long-term prospects for this much-cherished venue, a jewel in the crown for the area.”
