Norse Hawk Activity Centre in Devon has received a £10,000 Start Up Loan to help create an ‘ultimate Viking experience’.
Located in Bishop’s Tawton, this brand new attraction offers a Norse-style axe-throwing experience. Players can try their hand at throwing angels, hatchets, and bearded Viking axes. Players will also learn safe throwing techniques and can go on to compete in warrior games.
Outside is a Viking Garden which boasts a 6ft longship firepit. Here you can look forward to Viking-themed evenings and storytelling.
As well as this, the site also offers a gym space for ‘Warrior Workouts’. Furthermore, there is a dedicated community area with space for local groups and craft workshops.
Business owner Sophie Petrie, who began as a personal trainer, was inspired by Viking culture and their thirst for adventure. Therefore, she decided to translate this into a modern activity centre where “fitness and outdoor activities meet art”.
Sophie is planning to create up to 6 new full-time jobs over the next three years.
Of the funding, Sophie commented “I wanted to blend my passion for axe throwing and training with Viking-style storytelling to build a truly unique experience. Norse Hawk Activity is a place to have fun with family and friends and create those much-needed shared moments. This funding has been integral to building these unique event spaces and getting ready to receive customers. My business manager, Mark, was fantastic and very supportive throughout the application process”.
SWIG’s Mark Thayre, commented “Sophie has created a unique experience that is a first-of-its-kind in Devon. Through her determination, Sophie has been able to get this new attraction ready for business in time for the reopening of the tourism sector. With the boom in staycation bookings, we are sure that this will be a successful time for Sophie”.
We have Start Up Loan funding available in Devon and beyond.
SWIG Finance is a non-profit company that supports viable South West businesses that can’t secure sufficient funding from their bank. By empowering underserved SMEs and Start Ups to overcome their financial barriers, we are working to create a more balanced financial ecosystem.
We’re growing every year. In 2021/22, we lent £10.8m to 502 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,000 jobs and generate £32.3m. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/social-impact-report-2022/
If you’d like an informal chat about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to see how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 932.