Luxury wedding venue secures growth funding

A luxury countryside wedding venue in County Durham is preparing for its next phase of growth after securing investment to strengthen its marketing and expand its profile.

Blackton Grange, located near Barnard Castle in the North Pennines, has received funding from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.

Founded by twins Stella Laird and Jodi McSherry, the venue was created from their shared passion for property, interiors and hosting memorable celebrations. 

Set within 11 acres of countryside, Blackton Grange has developed into an intimate destination for weddings and holiday stays.

Stella and Jodi say the new investment will support a partnership with specialist marketing agency Venue Spark to establish a dedicated online marketing team.

They add the collaboration will focus on promoting the estate’s newly restored Wedding Barn while strengthening the Blackton Grange brand and expanding its reach to couples seeking a rural wedding destination.

Stella and Jodi said: “Partnering with NEL has been a brilliant experience for us at Blackton Grange Estates and a very smooth process working with all levels of the management team, we are excited for the future working with NEL and how they can help accelerate our growth plans, not just with this project, but over the coming years as we continue to build and grow our brand and business.”

Susan Snowdon, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “Stella and the team were fantastic to work with and it’s so impressive to see what they have done with the space at Blackton Grange. 

“I look forward to continuing to work with them and wish them both the best of luck for their next stage of business growth.”

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Backing ambitious businesses across the North is central to driving sustainable regional growth. 

“Through NPIF II, we’re committed to improving access to finance so that companies with strong potential can scale and create local opportunity. 

“Blackton Grange reflects this ambition, building a distinctive luxury venue in the North Pennines and investing in its brand to support the next phase of growth.”

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