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DEALMAKERS


secured a £30m funding package with its long-term banking partner, NatWest.


The Revolving Credit Facility will provide essential working capital to support the group’s wide-ranging development projects.


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SETTING SALE ON A GROWTH JOURNEY


Luxury cruise retailer Panache Cruises plans to expand internationally after agreeing a £2.75m refinance package with HSBC UK.


The fast-growing company intends to open up new offices in Canada and Australia in the first half of 2026 as well as strengthen its head office team in Chorley.


The company has grown turnover by 64 per cent to £41m in the last 12 months and is on track to top £50m in revenue by the end of its financial year in May.


Chief executive James Cole, who founded Panache in 2020, says: “The £2.75m provides enough cash padding to take us through the next few years.


“The money will be used for growth and investment. There are always bumps in the road when you scale a new business and this refinance deal will allow us to smooth those bumps out


“Our ‘Mission 2030’ goal is to become the


world’s largest seller of luxury and ultra-luxury cruises by the financial year 2030 and the only way to do that is to expand internationally.


“Expanding internationally has been part of our plan from day one. We opened an office in the US in 2024 and will be into Canada and Australia in H1 2026 as they’re both growing players in the cruise line industry.


“Both will be underpinned by our Chorley team, where all our product, marketing and finance is handled.”


Aaron Bevis, global relationship director, HSBC UK, says: “We’re proud to support Panache Cruises as it expands its operations into new international territories.


“Operating in a highly competitive industry, they have demonstrated a clear vision for long-term growth. We look forward to seeing their ongoing success.”


Meanwhile, construction to facilities management business Eric Wright Group has


With roots tracing back to 1923, the Bamber Bridge headquartered group has grown into a regionally significant operator with more than 1,000 employees and a turnover of almost £300m.


Owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, all profits are reinvested in the group’s growth or directed towards charitable activities.


Its eight divisions work collaboratively across sectors including residential and commercial property, highways and public realm, healthcare, education and water.


The business says the £30m facility will be instrumental in supporting the cash flow for its ongoing investment and development activities.


A key area of focus is the development of high-quality care homes under its new Wrightcare brand, which recently opened its first operation in Clitheroe.


A second care home is currently under construction in Grimsargh, near Preston.


Gill Chadwick, group chief financial officer, says: “Our commercial success goes hand in hand with creating meaningful benefits for the communities we serve.


“This £30m facility from NatWest is vital for empowering our future projects, including constructing essential care facilities.


“The continued support from NatWest, a trusted partner for over 40 years, reflects their confidence in our vision of building a better, more sustainable future.”


Andy Clarke, director of Corporate Real Estate Finance at NatWest, adds: “Their unique ‘profit for purpose’ model is an exemplary way of aligning commercial success with social value, a collaboration that resonates with our own core principles.


“This funding package is designed to provide the flexibility they need to achieve planned strategic investment and development.


“We are confident this funding will underpin their continued growth and further enhance their positive contribution to the North West.”


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