Background – Rethinking EasyPZ Stay during challenging times
The Cliffe family, father Dick, son Simon and his partner were operating the thriving EasyPZ Stay backpacking business in Penzance, Cornwall until they hit a couple of significant bumps in their road. Sadly, Simon’s relationship had broken down at the same time as their bank loan facility reached the end of its term, and then to compound matters, the global pandemic arrived!
Trading during Covid restrictions and beyond with limitations on multi-occupation rooms obliged the partners to rethink and restyle the business in a unique way as a hybrid of a B&B and hostel.
The plan was to offer friendly, relaxed, and social accommodation to the market, appealing to those who enjoyed active outdoor pursuits, including walking, surfing and cycling for which the business was ideally located. Whilst travelling in Sri Lanka, Simon had the good fortune to meet his new partner, Maria. Originally from Sweden, she shares his desire to run a sustainable, eco-friendly business and with father Dick stepping aside to enjoy more free time, Maria has also brought a strong sense of Swedish “fika” to EasyPZ Stay and Cornwall!
Challenges – When funding stalls and plans are disrupted
Negotiations with their funders were “not getting anywhere” according to Dick, despite good performance prior to Covid, so he sought help and following a professional recommendation, this arrived in the accomplished form of Conrad Robins at ASC.
Solution – Expert support from ASC to secure new terms
Armed with the revised business model prepared by the partners to cover the Covid period and its aftermath, Conrad applied his extensive knowledge and experience in the lending market, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly for his clients, Conrad identified that the current lender was indeed the best match.
Conrad was able to demonstrate to the bank that the remodelled business was indeed viable, and he succeeded not only in obtaining agreement for a new facility but on improved terms and with no additional loan fees!
Outcome – A successful restart for EasyPZ Stay
EasyPZ Stay was born! “A very good outcome indeed”, according to Dick, “ASC’s service was very good, faultless in fact!”
It happens more often than people think that we are able to encourage a lender to revisit a decision by presenting a well-considered and viable business plan, that is exactly what Conrad did here. It is a good reminder of the value that a broker can add.
If you want to find out more about EasyPZ Stay and the Cliffe family, follow them on Instagram or check out their website.
[* (in Swedish custom) a break from activity during which people drink coffee, eat cakes or other light snacks, and relax with others]
