PEMBROKESHIRE Performance Sailing Academy is first to take advantage of revamped
fast-track loan process for loans up to £25,000 from the Development Bank of Wales
Watersport and sailing enthusiasts will be setting sail from Lydstep when the Pembrokeshire
Performance Sailing Academy opens a second centre this Easter.
Using the recently updated fast-track loan facility from the Development Bank of Wales , Richard has
secured £20,000 to purchase two sailing boats and a powerboat for a second site at the Bourne
Leisure Caravan Holiday Village in Lydstep. Customers will have access to on-site showers and toilets,
as well as the Haven café.
As the leading Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing and powerboat training centre in south west
Wales, the Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy provides training for entry level enthusiasts
and high performance sailing.
Based at Llanion Cover near Pembroke Dock, the Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy is
run by ex-forces instructor Richard Owens. He established the business in 2013 having previously
competed at European and National level as a Coach with the Army Sailing Association.
Director and Chief Instructor Richard Owens said: “We were given the chance to open a second centre
in Lydstep but we needed access to quick finance so that we could grasp the opportunity quickly. The
fast-track loan from the Development Bank means that we can invest in new equipment and diversify
our business in to the tourism market; providing exciting opportunities for growth and creating new work
for local freelance sailing instructors.
“Although a relatively small amount of money, this £20,000 loan from the Development Bank will make
a big difference to our potential and the livelihoods of local people who rely on us for work. It’s a win-win
all round and, importantly, the new fast-track process means that it has been really quick.”
The fast track loan from the Development Bank of Wales is available to all businesses that
have been trading in Wales for over two years. Funding was previously limited to £10,000
but loans of up to £25,000 are now available with a decision made in just two working days.
A statement of assets and liabilities is required as opposed to a full business plan. Interest is
fixed for the term of the loan.
Emily Wood is an Investment Executive with the Development Bank of Wales. She added:
“Our fast-track loans are now available up to £25,000 with a decision made within two days.
This funding is ideal for businesses that have been trading for over two years and are ready
to scale up, invest in additional stock, develop products or need a helping hand with
cashflow. We’ve been delighted with the response so far from businesses’ like the
Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy. The businesses that we support like the easy
on-line application process coupled with having a person rather than a computer making a
decision. Having the support from our local teams is making a real difference.
“Richard has a great business that is highly regarded by the sailing and watersport community. The
opening of the second centre in Lydstep is natural progression and, as a tourist destination, will
complement the main centre in Llanion as a year-round operation. We’re looking forward to our first
visit!”
