The funding from the Development Bank meant that we have been able to buy the business and crack on with our plans to upgrade the campsite facilities and give the Rising Sun a revamp.
Andrea & Gethin Bateman, Directors
Qualified paramedics Andrea and Gethin Bateman have taken on a new business venture and are looking to breathe a new lease of life into the holiday park in Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest.
Since buying the site at the end of 2021, the Bateman’s have begun a series of refurbishments to build on the site’s reputation at the long-established local business in Pembrokeshire.
Working with us to fund the holiday park
In February 2022, we loaned £300,000 to Andrea and Gethin, allowing them to become the proud owners of Pelcomb Bridge Holiday Park.
The Batemans bought the three-acre site, which includes the Rising Sun Inn and associated caravan park with caravan and tent pitches, winter storage facilities, three chalets (two of which are used as rental units) and a static caravan.
Refurbishment of the Rising Sun Restaurant and Grill had already begun, and the Batemans recruited head chef Matthew Cox from Cwtch in St Davids, who as well as developing exciting menus, guided the development of the kitchen to increase capacity.
The loan also allowed four jobs, including the new head chef, to be created in addition to the seven members of staff who stayed on with the Batemans after they took over the business.
Andrea and Gethin explained: “We are both very people-focused and enjoy meeting new people, so we wanted to use these skills to try a new venture that gave us the opportunity to invest in our future; something that combined our love of the outdoors, camping, caravanning and food. The Rising Sun ticked all the boxes plus it is local to our hometowns of Haverfordwest and St Davids.
“A chance conversation led us here and we immediately saw the opportunity to breath a new lease of life into the business and realise its full potential. The funding from the Development Bank meant that we have been able to buy the business and crack on with our plans to upgrade the campsite facilities and give the Rising Sun a revamp.
“We were new to running a business, but we’re delighted to be getting such good feedback and already have a five-star Trip Advisor rating.”
How has Pelcomb Bridge become more eco-friendly?
Andrea and Gethin were able to use some of our funding to invest in building a sustainable model that would benefit their company for many years.
They began their plans to make the business more environmentally-friendly by installing a new state-of-the-art sewage system which cleans waste thoroughly, emitting almost clean water. This is more environmentally friendly as it releases water that won’t contaminate water courses.
Andrea and Gethin followed this up by installing solar panels, helping reduce their electricity bills while protecting the environment and reducing their carbon footprint.
They’re also looking to plant different native trees over the site, helping to re-establish its eco-system, reduce erosion by slowing rainfall and holding water, while giving enjoyment and beauty to their community.
Clare Sullivan, one of our investment executives, said: “Andrea and Gethin approached us needing help to buy this well-established and profitable business so the previous owners could retire.
“As a going concern, it was an attractive proposition because it offers various income streams and there was the opportunity for us to help safeguard the jobs of seven local people.
“They’ve certainly got the skills and determination to make it work and we are particularly pleased to see them already investing in biodiversity and energy efficiency measures onsite that'll help to reduce carbon footprint. We wish the team every success.”
