A LUXURY, boutique hotel and wedding venue operator in the heart of the Ribble Valley has secured a multi-million-pound finance package to support its ambitious growth plans.
Bowland Inns and Hotels Limited, trading as James’ Places, which boasts Mitton Hall, Eaves Hall and Bowland Brewery in its portfolio, has been given £26 million from Barclays to support the company's future growth and acquisition plans.
The group owns and operates an eclectic collection of historic buildings not just in the Ribble Valley, but in the Lune Valley and the Yorkshire Dales, boasting a portfolio of eight sites including boutique hotels, exclusive wedding venues, gastropubs and restaurants.
Holmes Mill, a multi-award winning textile mill conversion is home to the group’s Bowland Brewery, Beer Hall and Food Hall, in addition to a 39 bedroom hotel and Everyman Cinema, and was recently named the best pub/bar in Lancashire in the National Pub and Bar Awards 2022.
Managing director of James’ Places, James Warburton, said: “We are absolutely delighted to begin a new banking relationship with Barclays.
"We have been talking about the move for a number of years and it’s a great testament to Rob and his team that we have finally got the deal done despite everything the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown at us.
"We can now look ahead to building a bigger and better business.
"We have solid foundations, we have a great operations team and we now have a great banking partner.”
James' Places turnover for the year 2021/2022 is expected to exceed £23 million and group employees will number over 450 by the year end.
The new financing package will enable James’ Places to pursue an ambitious expansion and acquisition strategy across the North West in the coming years with a trusted banking partner.
Barclays relationship director Rob Morland, put together the funding package for the deal and lifted their day to day banking to Barclays.
He said: “I have been in discussions with James and the senior management team for a number of years and during that time have been impressed with the outstanding quality of the Group’s offering and resilience in the face of the Covid pandemic.
"The strength of the senior management team means James’ Places has emerged stronger from recent challenges faced by the whole industry and I look forward to a long and successful partnership, helping to bring their future growth plans to fruition.”
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