Six-figure grant helps couple take over park

Jackie Bilton and David White have become the new owners of Clear Sky Lodge Park – a 46-acre site in Kielder – thanks to a six-figure funding package from HSBC.

The park includes a range of holiday lodges and cottages and the funding boost will enable the couple to invest in the development of the site, upgrade existing facilities and expand the business to include a caravan park.

Jackie, who previously worked as a florist, said: “We were looking to purchase a project where we could really make our mark and we fell in love with the location of the site at Clear Sky Lodge, as well as the potential to grow the business.

“Without the financial support received from HSBC we would not have been able to realise our business ambitions and purchase the site.

“We have plans to enhance the site and grow the business in both the short and long-term.”

The site includes a choice of properties available to rent or purchase, including a stone stable which dates back to 1848 and has been converted in to a cottage, along with a range of lodges all with their own hot tub.

David Slane, from the HSBC, said: “It’s fantastic to see the vision and potential growth Jackie and David have planned for this business. We are thrilled to support their acquisition of Clear Sky Lodge Park and the ambitions they have for it.”

HSBC recently launched a £300million lending fund to support small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises in Tyne Tees and Cumbria. The fund is part of a wider £10billion fund for SMEs across the UK.