Glamping firm Further Space is planning to open a new glamping site in Co. Donegal.
As reported by The Irish News, Further Space is planning to deploy 33 glamping pods by July, and a total of 109 across 21 sites by March of 2022, after receiving a a £500,000 loan from Whiterock Finance's Growth Finance Fund.
The £30 million fund is provided by the British Business Bank, Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC), and is also accredited to lend under the UK government's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Further Space's business model involves teaming up with rural landowners to develop branded glamping pod sites that are hosted by the landowners.
Sites being targeted by the glamping firm, which currently operates glamping sites in Northern Ireland and Scotland, include sites in Co. Donegal and the south of England.
"A Winning Formula"
Further Space's 22 square foot aluminium pods are produced in-house and designed by the company's chief executive, Peter Farquharson, who The Irish News quotes as saying, "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.
"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."
"A Distinctive Offering"
Meanwhile, James Thompson of Whiterock Finance commented, "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 seeing the company continue to grow."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
