How Principal Business Finance Helped a UK Glamping Business 5x Its Turnover 

The UK’s glamping industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. As more holidaymakers embrace the staycation trend, luxury outdoor experiences have become a thriving business opportunity. But behind every beautifully styled safari tent, eco-friendly pod, or luxury yurt is a business owner balancing the need for investment with the challenge of cash flow.

One of our recent success stories at Principal Business Finance Limited highlights precisely how tailored funding solutions can transform a business. We supported a glamping site with over £300,000 in asset finance and £200,000 in loan funding over the last 3 years of their trading, which has helped them increase turnover fivefold and boost profitability significantly.

The Challenge: Scaling a Growing Glamping Site

The glamping operator had already established a modest but promising business, offering a handful of luxury tents and pods. Demand was high, particularly during the peak summer months, but limited facilities meant they couldn’t fully capitalise on the surge in UK staycations.

The business needed:

• More accommodation units to serve larger numbers of guests.

• On-site facilities such as shower blocks, communal kitchens, and eco-friendly waste systems.

• Furnishings and equipment to deliver the “luxury” in luxury camping.

• Working capital to manage cash flow during expansion and to fund marketing campaigns.

Traditional banks were hesitant, citing the seasonal nature of glamping as a risk. That’s where Principal Business Finance stepped in.

Our Solution: A Bespoke Finance Package

We structured a funding package that combined asset finance with loan funding, enabling the glamping business to scale rapidly without exhausting its own reserves.

1. £300,000 in Asset Finance

   • Covered the cost of high-quality glamping pods, safari tents, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

   • Allowed the business to spread costs over time rather than paying upfront.

   • Preserved working capital for day-to-day operations.

2. £200,000 in Loan Funding

   • Provided working capital for staffing, marketing, and running costs.

   • Ensured the business could meet its financial obligations while scaling.

   • Gave flexibility to invest in long-term improvements to the site.

The Results: 5x Turnover and Stronger Profit Margins

Within two seasons, the glamping site saw turnover increase by 500%. With additional pods and upgraded facilities, the business was able to host significantly more guests, including group bookings and corporate retreats.

Key outcomes included:

• Stronger Cash Flow: With upfront costs financed, the business could focus on generating revenue rather than struggling with payments.

• Increased Profitability: Occupancy rates soared thanks to better facilities and an expanded offering.

• Enhanced Customer Experience: Luxurious furnishings, eco-conscious utilities, and more space meant glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

• Scalable Growth Model: The funding created a framework the business could replicate at new sites or with future expansions.

Why Tailored Finance Made the Difference

The key to this success wasn’t just the amount of funding—it was how the finance was structured. By splitting between asset finance and loan funding, we ensured the glamping operator had:

• Tangible investment in assets (pods, tents, and facilities) without straining working capital.

• Operational flexibility with additional loan funds to cover staffing, marketing, and cash flow gaps.

This balance allowed the business to expand sustainably while keeping control of costs.

The Bigger Picture: Supporting the UK Glamping Industry

Glamping is more than a trend; it has become a long-term part of the UK’s hospitality landscape. According to industry reports, the UK’s staycation market continues to grow, with glamping sites benefiting from:

• Rising demand for eco-friendly, experience-driven travel.

• Flexible price points appealing to families, couples, and corporate clients.

• Year-round potential through insulated pods and all-season facilities.

Finance plays a critical role in helping glamping businesses seize these opportunities. From acquiring land to building facilities, upgrading equipment, or covering seasonal dips in cash flow, Principal Business Finance provides solutions that keep businesses moving forward.

Conclusion: Growth Backed by Smart Finance

The story of this glamping site illustrates the power of using structured finance to unlock growth. With over £500,000 secured through asset and loan funding, they were able to multiply turnover five times, boost profits, and cement their place as a top destination in the UK’s glamping market.

At Principal Business Finance, we’re proud to partner with businesses in hospitality, leisure, and beyond to help them achieve their ambitions. Whether you’re a glamping operator, hotelier, or service provider, we can design a finance package to support your vision.

Your growth doesn’t need to wait let’s build it together. Contact us on 01604217998, email info@principalbusinessfinance.co.uk, or enquire here.