With the help of Barford Owen Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Development Bank, we’ve now got the funding needed to take positive steps to reduce our impact on the environment and save money in the long-term.
Melissa Burles, Founder, Smugglers Livery Yard and Equestrian Centre
Business overview
Based in Blackwood, Smugglers Livery and Equestrian Centre is a BHS and Pony Club approved Centre, which has a riding school, indoor arena, two outdoor floodlit menages, cafe and tack shop.
Smugglers offers experienced tuition in riding on its own horses and ponies and also operates a livery provision for horse owners. The business began in 2013 as Gelligoediog Riding Stables, which opened one evening a week and on Saturdays.
It grew rapidly, with the number of riding horses and teaching days increasing. Having outgrown the current yard, they purchased a large existing livery yard, and the business has been known as Smugglers Livery and Equestrian Centre since May 2017, when they moved to the current site.
The business now operates six days a week and employs 16 staff to take care of the 35 horses and deliver livery services, riding lessons, pony parties, shows and clinics.
Founder
Melissa Burles, Founder - Melissa established the business in 2013, initially starting with three horses used for tuition: Tom, Rosie and Jess. Her vision is to deliver top-quality facilities, services, and memorable riding experiences for people of all ages.
Funding
With support from accountancy firm Barford Owen Davies, Smuggers Livery and Equestrian Centre secured funding from the Green Business Loan Scheme to install a 50kWp roof-mounted solar system. This includes 120 420w solar panels and three batteries that will generate 42,500Kwh of renewable energy a year and help futureproof the business against rising electricity costs. The investment into the green measures has also been funded by a £25,000 grant from Caerphilly County Borough Council alongside our loan.
What people are saying
Our green business loans can be used by all types of different businesses to invest in renewable technology and make enhancements to become more sustainable. By combining our loan with a grant from the local authority, Melissa has been able to access a package of support that will reduce carbon emissions and cut costs. It’s a win-win and we’re pleased to see another business benefiting from our Green Business Loan Scheme.
Michelle Noble, Investment Executive, Development Bank of Wales
I am passionate about horses and continuing to build Smugglers as a leading equestrian centre which means on-going investment in our facilities and our people. With the help of Barford Owen Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Development Bank, we’ve now got the funding needed to take positive steps to reduce our impact on the environment and save money in the long-term.
Melissa Burles, Founder, Smugglers Livery Yard and Equestrian Centre
