Ignition, part of the STAR Asset Finance Group, has arranged a £60,000 Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) loan to support the expansion of Brooklands Events & Marquees Ltd, enabling the business to take over the management of a well-established gardening festival.
The funding has helped Brooklands acquire The Garden Fest Co Ltd, the company behind Toby’s Garden Festival, which takes place annually over the early May bank holiday weekend at Powderham Castle near Exeter. Founded 11 years ago by gardening broadcaster, Toby Buckland, the festival has grown into a popular fixture in the South West’s events calendar, featuring a host of special guest speakers, workshops, performers and exhibitors.
Over the last 20 years, Exeter-based Brooklands has forged a reputation as one of the region’s premier marquee and equipment suppliers. The company has been closely involved with the festival since its inception, initially supplying marquee hire before gradually taking on wider responsibilities including grounds management, health and safety, and staffing for hospitality and parking.
The opportunity to acquire the festival came from the previous owners, who will remain involved alongside Toby Buckland, continuing to shape the event’s vision by helping to secure high calibre speakers and exhibitors in the years ahead. Meanwhile, Brooklands will now oversee the full operational management of the event, as well as handling ticket sales and regional marketing.
Part of the STAR Asset Finance Group, Ignition provides support to SMEs by arranging competitive asset finance packages and business loans. The GGS funding secured for Brooklands is part of a government-backed initiative designed to help smaller businesses access finance for growth and investment. The loan has enabled Brooklands to complete the acquisition and will provide working capital as it integrates the festival into its operations.
According to Dave Moore, Managing Director at Brooklands Events & Marquees, the acquisition will provide valuable seasonal balance for the company, creating consistent income throughout the winter months:
“We’ve been closely involved with the festival from its very first year, so stepping into a larger role feels like a natural progression for the business. It’s an exciting opportunity to build on something that already has a fantastic reputation while helping it grow for the future. The festival also gives us year-round activity, with ticket sales and planning work supporting the business through the quieter winter period. Ignition made the process straightforward and helped us to secure the right structure to move forward with confidence.”
Dan Liddeatt is Business Development Manager at Ignition with a growing portfolio of clients in the Devon and Somerset region. He comments:
“Brooklands is a great example of a local business evolving through long-term relationships and industry expertise. Having supported the festival operationally for many years, they are ideally placed to take it forward. We were pleased to arrange funding through the GGS programme to support the acquisition and help the business strengthen its long term growth and seasonal resilience.”
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