Paintball firm eyes expansion
A business which operates paintball sites across the UK – including one in Leeds – is targeting expansion after purchasing its previously rented premises.
Staffordshire-based Phoenix Paintball, which has four sites around the country, has been able to press ahead with the expansion following funding support from Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking.
The company employs nine people at its base with more at sites in Leeds, Oxford and the Midlands. Some of the sites also run airsoft and laser tag events and the business is now planning its growth for the coming months.
Phoenix, which hosts paintballing activities under the name Skirmish Paintball, also began selling paintballs and equipment in 1997 to customers in the UK and Europe for trade, wholesale and retail purposes.
The business moved 18 months ago to a rented commercial property which comprises office space, a small shop selling paintball equipment and a warehouse which houses stock to be shipped to customers.
Barry Fuggle, managing director of Phoenix Paintball, decided to purchase the premises to give the business more stability and approached the bank for support.
He said: “We have 27 years experience in the paintball field and we have always aimed to offer first class facilities which are great for new players or those who are more experienced and are looking for a challenge.
“The decision to move into supplying paintballs and equipment was a natural progression for the business and ever since we have been going from strength to strength, so it made sense for us to stop renting and purchase our own commercial property.
“When we approached Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking the team were proactive and immediately explained what they could offer to help the business. The support and guidance has been fantastic and having a relationship manager means we have a direct contact when we have any questions, which is extremely useful as we plan our growth.”
Jeevan Madhara, relationship manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking said: “Phoenix Paintball is a well-established business which spotted the opportunity to increase its profitability by selling supplies, and is now experiencing growth because of its commitment to selling quality products.
“Barry came to us with a strong business plan and we were more than happy to find the best funding package to support the business and help them purchase their own property in Cannock.”
