Member Article

Durham’s Strawberry Hill set to expand following new ownership

Strawberry Hill Farm, a 20-year-old business including three holiday homes, caravan parks and tent pitches in County Durham, has been acquired by Adam and Louise Hague thanks to a £200k funding package from HSBC.

At present the seven-acre site incorporates a barn and house along with three holiday homes and touring pitches for tents and caravans. The funding boost will enable the couple to expand the site to include a new reception area and update existing facilities and grounds.

With over 10 years’ experience in the industry Adam Hague has an extensive five-year plan for the business which includes expanding to include the creation of children’s facilities, a bike hire service and a tea room offering light bites, in order to appeal to visitors to the area in the off-peak winter months.

Finance from HSBC supported the acquisition of Strawberry Hill Farm and allowed Adam and Louise to smoothly take over its running.

Adam Hague explains: “We are both local to the area and could see there was a huge opportunity to grow the business and build on the existing success generated by the previous owners.

“I have over 10 years’ experience working in the campsite business and have so many ideas for how we can grow Strawberry Hill Farm while bringing up our three young children in the idyllic countryside around Durham.

“Without the financial support received from HSBC, alongside help from our family, we would not have been able to realise our business ambitions. HSBC was a natural choice for us, we’ve both always banked there and Louise’s family business also uses the bank.”

David Slane, Area Director for Business Banking in the North East and Cumbria, added: “It’s fantastic to see the vision and potential growth Adam and Louise have planned for this family-run business.

“We are thrilled to support their acquisition of Strawberry Hill Farm and the ambitions they have for it. It can only be positive for the North East, reinforcing the flourishing business landscape we have here.”