Flamingo Land receives lifeline loan as theme park struggles with coronavirus closure

Yorkshire theme park, Flamingo Land, had faced uncertainty over its future as it struggled to cope with the financial pressures caused by having to close during its busiest season.

Based at Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, the attraction saw income ‘fall overnight’ with the Covid-19 closure, but is still relying on staff to care for its 1,200 zoo animals.

The company employs more than 700 people at the height of the season and is a major employer locally.

Now it has received support from Barclays through the Government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) so it can keep trading through the COVID-19 crisis.

Gordon Gibb, CEO of Flamingo Land said: “Prior to Covid-19 we were growing year on year and reinvesting our profits back in to the business to expand our core services, support our workforce and deliver on our environmental commitments.

"With more than one and a half million visitors coming through out gates each year, the Covid-19 lockdown saw immediate and widespread business interruption across all of our core business units.

"The support we have received from Barclays to access a CBIL loan in a matter of weeks has been a lifeline to ensure we have sufficient working capital throughout this uncertain period.

“Although we are temporarily closed to visitors, many of our dedicated team of keepers have remained on site to care for our 1,200 animals.”

This loan will bolster Flamingo Land’s cash flow throughout the Covid-19 period and support their day-to-day expenditure.

Oliver Whitehurst, Barclays Relationship Director put together the funding packages and said; “Covid-19 caused immediate business interruption to Flamingo Land’s operations and saw revenues fall overnight.

"I’m delighted that Barclays was able to step in to support Gordon and the team to access a CBILs loan within a two-week period.

“Ensuring we continue to back UK businesses like Flamingo Land through Covid-19 and beyond will be vital to kick-start the local economic growth and to support the UK’s recovery post Covid-19 and beyond.”

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