VW Camper GO, a classic VW Campervan hire business, has launched in Oldham with £12k of funding from the Oldham Enterprise Fund and a £10k loan from Business Finance Solutions (BFS) http://www.businessfinancesolutions.org.uk, the North West delivery partner of the government’s national £310m Start Up Loans programme and a lending partner of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

VW Camper GO www.vwcampergo.com has used the funding to buy and professionally convert a number of VW T4 and T5 vehicles into campervans which they will be making available for people to rent for holidays and trips around the UK.  The company is also marketing the vehicles for use as wedding vans and for special occasions such as school proms.

The company was founded by Simon Tait, a professional sports coach and Development Manager at Uppermill Football Club. Having owned his VW T4 van for almost a decade, Simon converted it two years ago, working with Alex Smith at SMS Campers, a company based in Delph, Oldham.  The two campervan enthusiasts then decided to set up VW Camper GO together after having had many enquiries about campervans for hire.

Simon said: “Having fallen completely in love with the VW Campervan lifestyle it has been fantastic to secure the finance from BFS and the Oldham Enterprise Fund to start a business that will enable other people to enjoy an incredible way of life and freedom.

“The VW Campervans really offer people the best of both worlds – you can camp at a beach with all your facilities to hand but can also drive and park in a city centre without the hassle of navigating a large motorhome. Outdoor holidays are also on the up as people opt to stay in the UK and choose to explore the great British countryside and coast, and what better to do it in than an original VW Campervan?”

Alex Mearns, Loans Officer, from Business Finance Solutions said: “The VW vans have huge appeal and an iconic following all over the world with everyone from young families and festival goers to design purists as well as being real conversation starters both on the road and on a campsite. Simon had found that the majority of vehicles available for hire are larger, modern motorhomes so there was a real opportunity here for us to help him to fund and build a business that designs, creates and hires out beautifully converted and very comfortable VW Campervans to give people a great iconic holiday experience.”

Simon also worked with BFS partner, the Business Growth Hub, which is also part of Manchester Growth Company. The Hub’s start-up growth advisor Phil Starr worked with Simon to develop a robust business plan including a cash flow forecast and marketing strategy. He also supported Simon with preparation for his pitch to the Oldham Enterprise Fund by providing feedback on practice presentations.

Sir Richard Leese, Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead member for business support said:  “Small businesses need joined-up support, and it’s great that in this case, the loan funding and the business advice and support were totally integrated, as well as signposting the business to other sources of support.  This approach has provided VW Camper GO with a solid foundation from which to develop and grow.”

BFS the finance arm of the Manchester Growth Company is supported by the GM Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership and has £7.5 million allocated to support new start-ups across the North West over the next two years. This funding will create around 1500 new businesses and over 3000 new jobs in the region.

Over the years BFS has grown and developed its financial options and offers finance from £500 through to £500,000 and can also support businesses on raising equity investments up to £2m through the Co Angel initiative. To date BFS manages a portfolio of over £80m across the UK.

Find out more about BFS finance at www.business-finance-solutions.org.uk or by calling 0161 245 4737.