North Yorkshire entrepreneurs complete country park acquisition with Barclays funding

An entrepreneurial duo from North Yorkshire have announced the completion of the purchase of a Skipton country park with support from Barclays.

Thanks to a funding package from the bank, Chris and Emma Harrison have been able to purchase Thornton Hall Country Park in Craven, which was previously owned by Chris’s parents, John and Sandra Harrison.

Featuring a traditional working farm, the estate also comprises attractions such as 4x4 driving experiences, tea rooms and a play barn. Most recently, work has been completed on an event and wedding venue.

The Barclays funding has enabled Chris and Emma to complete on the purchase of the estate where they have both lived and worked for many years.

Emma Harrison, partner at Thornton Hall Country Park commented: “It’s great that we’ve been able to complete on the purchase and very exciting that we are now the full owners of the estate and the business.

“We’ve banked with Barclays for many years so it was great that they were able to support our growth ambitions one again.”

Nicola Macgregor, business relationship director at Barclays, added: “Chris and Emma have really impressed me with their growth plans and we’re delighted to be able to support the completion of the full purchase of the business.

“Thornton Hall Country Park is a fantastic visitor attraction for people of all ages and we look forward to seeing the business develop and grow over the coming years.”