Inspiresport

Business profile

Location: Cardiff

Sector: education and training

Web site: www.inspiresport.com

Investment

Amount: £505,000

Type: debt and equity

Why we invested

Inspiresport offers sports development programmes for schools and youth groups in football, rugby, hockey, netball and lacrosse. These tailored programmes are delivered by full-time professional trainers and include travel to, and accommodation at, key sporting destinations.

Inspiresport has links with European sport clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan football clubs. It's the only organisation of its type to be endorsed by national governing bodies for state and independent schools. Around 80% of schools participating in Inspiresport's programmes are state schools.

Finance Wales had previously invested £50,000 start-up and development capital in Inspiresport.

The outcome

The latest development capital investment supports Inspiresport’s growth as it expands into one of Europe's main youth sport development companies.

Inspiresport has doubled its sales team, developed new IT systems and achieved ATOL registration. As a result, the company developed relationships with more top sports clubs and more schools have joined its development programmes.

Testimonials

"We have worked closely with Finance Wales since we established the business and it made sense to continue that relationship through our next stage of growth." Tom Shorey, managing director, Inspiresport.

"Since its formation in 2004, Inspiresport has become a market leader. Its growth potential makes it exactly the kind of company we’re pleased to be investing in." Dave Perez, portfolio executive, Finance Wales.