Stockport travel firm secures £50k NPIF II investment

Stockport travel business, Asia Travel Specialists (ATS), has secured £50,000 funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Financing from the NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans will support ATS as it expands its operations and further develops its innovative platform for the UK travel trade.

The business partners with tour operators and travel agents to offer experiences, particularly in South East Asia, to their clients, and is currently in the testing stages of a new platform designed to make it easier for UK travel agents to create and customise travel packages. The platform will streamline the current process, allowing agents to build packages quickly and efficiently, whilst still having access to expert advice and support from ATS. 

Headquartered in Stockport, ATS currently employs four staff members and, after securing NPIF II funding, plans to create six new roles in the North West. Last year, the revenue of the business reached £1 million and with the support of NPIF II, ATS is set to continue growing through development of its new platform.

Andy Carroll, founder of Asia Travel Specialist, said:

“We’ve always had strong connections to Asia, especially Vietnam, and the expertise we’ve built over the years gives us an advantage in the market. The NPIF II funding from GCBF will really help us to develop our new platform, supporting us as we scale our business and better serve our clients. We’re also excited to use this opportunity to grow our team, creating more jobs and supporting local talent. Small businesses need more support now than ever, and this funding will be a huge help for us.”

Joanne Barlow, investment manager at GC Business Finance, said:

“Asia Travel Specialist is a prime example of a business with huge potential and a clear vision for growth. We’re proud to have supported Andy throughout his journey of securing NPIF II funding, which will help him to develop his platform, leading to a better experience for his clients. His strong market knowledge, and his commitment to job creation, makes the business a valuable asset to the region.” 

Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said:

“It’s amazing to see the positive impact of NPIF II funding on businesses like Asia Travel Specialist. Its innovative approach to what they do positions them well to achieve significant growth all from a North West base. The NPIF II funding will also help Andy to create job opportunities in the region – it’s really rewarding to support businesses with such a clear commitment to growth and local employment.”

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.