Tag: leisure

Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates annual Gathering with full lineup of UK-wide events

The world’s most entertaining whisky club honours its members in style with events and tastings across the UK for their annual September Gathering

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) celebrates its annual September Gathering by showcasing a range of whisky tasting events across its signature UK venues.

Throughout the month the Society is hosting a series of events for members and non-members, with one exciting activation every weekend across each of their four UK locations; Glasgow, London, Edinburgh Queen Street, and The Vaults, Leith.

The Gathering 2021 launches at The Vaults on Friday, 4September and ends with a virtual tasting on Thursday, 30 September.

As part of the Gathering, the Society has partnered with Linn Products, creators of some of the world’s finest music systems.

Founded in Glasgow in 1973, Linn goes to extremes to pursue musical perfection and designs and manufactures premium music systems that bring consumers closer to the music that they love.

The partnership will feature Linn Lounges at Society’s London and Glasgow venues, offering both members and non-members the opportunity to taste whisky whilst enjoying music from some of the worlds most decorated bands.

Other key events in this year’s programme include The Gathering’s take over at Glasgow’s WEST Brewery, which includes a three-course dinner and a five-dram tasting event hosted by Master Ambassador, John McCheyne and, a spectacular festival of whisky in Edinburgh’s Queen Street Gardens, featuring dram bars, culinary delights from local producers and a live DJ performance from long-standing BBC radio presenter, Vic Galloway.

Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “For this year’s Gathering we have taken advantage of our four stunning Members’ Rooms to celebrate the love of whisky with our members.

“The 2021 Gathering line-up features a wealth of exciting events, which encourages our members to share their passion for whisky and offers the chance for new guests to explore the Society’s flavour profiles and what our Members’ Rooms have to offer.

“From a colourful festival of music and whisky to dram tastings and Society suppers, each occasion is incredibly unique and this year we look forward to welcoming our members and their guests to this annual celebration of our whisky community.”

For members ‘afar’ there will also be an immersive programme of home entertainment and virtual tastings, to bring ‘the spirit of The Vaults’ to members, no matter where they are.

Joe Rodger, Linn International Brand Manager, added: “The parallels between good whisky and good music run more than skin deep. Music is the soundtrack to the best times of our lives, and when it’s done right, we savour the difference.

“We are both proud and excited to be partnering with the SMWS. The meticulous focus on quality and provenance of Scotch whisky aligns beautifully with our own mission; we know our music systems are in good company, alongside whisky, as Scotland’s finest exports.”

For details on all the events and to buy tickets, visit: https://cutt.ly/SMWS-The-Gathering-2021

September Gathering Programme

Edinburgh, The Vaults – 4th September:

  • 4th September – The Gathering in the Courtyard. Members will  have the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a tasting session throughout the day. These include a rum tasting with Society ambassador Olaf Meier and an in-depth tasting session featuring this year’s Gathering exclusive releases hosted by The Vault’s own Dean M.

Edinburgh, Queen Street – 11th September:

  • 11th September – Gathering in the Gardens. For an extra £20, members will be able to take part in a signature one hour Gathering tasting masterclass, taking place at 3.30 pm and 7.00 pm.

London, Greville Street – 17th September – 18th September

  • 17th September and 18th September – Greville Street: Linn Lounge – Fleetwood Mac Whisky and Music Experience.

Glasgow, Bath Street – 24th – 25th September

  • 22nd September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Led Zeppelin Whisky and Music Experience.
  • 25th September – The Gathering goes West.
  • 29th September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Pink Floyd Whisky and Music Experience.

For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership click here.

Find your Olympic spirit and up your fitness game

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

If the recent Olympics and Paralympics happening in Tokyo have inspired you to up your fitness game, Edinburgh Leisure’s latest membership offer may be just what you need to spur you on.

For those of you who may have neglected your fitness routine during lockdown, or for those who may have cancelled their gym memberships in a bid to save a few pounds but want to get active again, the enticing ‘no joining fee’ offer is available on new memberships from Wednesday, 1 September to Thursday, 30 September 2021.

Applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships, the offer can be bought online via the Edinburgh Leisure website.

And if you want to share your fitness journey with a friend, existing members who refer a friend who then joins, will receive £25 cash back. For the first time, the ‘Refer a Friend’ offer will be processed using an online form.

With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre; 8 swimming pools, which include four modernised Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool in their portfolio; 12 state-of-the-art gyms; and 800+ fitness classes per week including Les Mills programmes across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.

With adult memberships starting from as little as £33.50, there is a range of packages, including swim, fitness, gym and climbing.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

People in Edinburgh set to be more spontaneous!

Capital’s citizens plan to make up for lost time

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people in Edinburgh promise to be more spontaneous now that restrictions have eased, as they say they’re more likely to live life in the moment, and over two thirds (68 per cent) want to make lots of plans while they can.

New research by Fort Kinnaird reveals that people in Edinburgh are planning to make the most of the rest of the summer, having missed out on what is estimated to be almost a month of non-stop quality time with family and friends since the pandemic began last year.

While many admit they took the simple things for granted before lockdown, such as the freedom to go out when they wanted (44 per cent) and spending time with friends (34 per cent), people in Edinburgh are ready to start enjoying some of their favourite things again.

Over half (51 per cent) put spending time with friends at the top of the list of things they’re going to enjoy the most now that restrictions have eased and over a third (39 per cent) said enjoying more days out.

Meanwhile, for over a third (35 per cent) going to the beach or on a staycation is high on the list of priorities, along with going to the pub (28%), eating indoors with friends (24%), going on a shopping spree (19%) and going to the cinema (17%).

Surprisingly, throwing a party (12 per cent) and seeing an unlimited group of people (16 per cent) are lower on the priority list even after restrictions have eased, suggesting people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them.

The research also revealed what those in Edinburgh missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed. The top three things most missed about shopping in real life were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for an online order to arrive (34 per cent), the joy of window shopping (28 per cent) and having a big shopping day out with friends (27 per cent).

Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (43 per cent), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (33 per cent) and having someone serve your meal to your table (26 per cent) were the things respondents missed the most.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our research shows that people are gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones. 

“We’ve seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to ease and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.” 

Fort Kinnaird continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. It remains mandatory for visitors to wear a face covering in all indoor settings if they can, and hand sanitising stations remain throughout the centre along with enhanced cleaning regimes.

The square outside Granton Station will be called … (drum roll) … Granton Station Square!

The area outside the former Granton Station, being built for local people and visitors to enjoy community events and recreation, is to be named … ehm, Granton Station Square!

The square, together with the restoration of the building has agreed funding of up to £4.75m, with part of this being provided through the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund support and town centre funding.

This restoration forms part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration project for Granton Waterfront.

The name was chosen following consultation with local residents and groups as well as the Council asking people for suggestions online.

Cammy Day, Council Depute Leader, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the consultation for the new name. It’s really important to us that local people are involved in every step of the process as we progress our £1.3bn regeneration of the area creating homes, jobs and new communities.

“The name is important as the refurbished Granton Station and new Square will be a focal point in the area for the community and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

Krispy Kreme & Xbox go next level

Gaming champion Kem Cetinay at St James Quarter Meet & Eat surprise drop TONIGHT

Gaming and doughnut fans around the world have been going wild for the new Krispy Kreme x Xbox collab drop and they want more – and Krispy Kreme with Xbox are SO here for it!

New research by Krispy Kreme revealed that re-connecting since lockdown restrictions ended has been a balm to Brits, as 75% admitted they’ve made more of an effort to do so in recent weeks. To support this, Krispy Kreme and Xbox continue their collaborate with a series of incredible drops hitting Krispy Kreme stores across the nation.

Within the research, the doughnut retailer found:

  • For a third of Brits, the warm, sweet smell of doughnuts is the ultimate smile-generator
  • For 25% of us, simply the look of a doughnut can create a smile
  • Almost half of Brits (44%) love to share food with loved ones

Gamer and doughnut fan Kem Cetinay, nominated as the ‘gamifying doughnuts master’ will be popping up at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter, Edinburgh tonight to serve up doughnuts and Xbox Series S consoles, and will be on hand to share his cheeky smile for some Covid-safe customer selfies (for over 18’s or those with an adult).

It’ll be game on in stores! Fans aged over 18 or accompanied by an adult will get the chance to get on an Xbox Series S console and challenge Kem to his favourite games on Xbox Games Pass (socially distanced)… if they win, an Xbox Series S immediate win is promised to one lucky winner, as well as the glory!

Catch Kem Cetinay for the Meet & Eat surprise drop in Edinburgh between 5.30pm – 7.00pm this evening at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter.

The Nexus Level Doughnuts – created specially to celebrate Xbox’s 20th anniversary will be on sale for a limited time only until 22nd August. 

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console. Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console.

Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

Stay tuned to the following channels to find out when and where you can get your hands on prizes and to meet Kem:

Krispy Kreme Channels @KrispyKremeUK

Kem Cetinay @kemcetinay

Xbox @xboxuk 

#KrispyKremeXbox

Capital casino to celebrate hitting the jackpot as curfew restrictions are lifted on all venues

Casino staff at Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh Maybury will finally be able to celebrate hitting the jackpot at the stroke of midnight tonight when all curfew restrictions are lifted by the Scottish Government.

Grosvenor Casinos which operate five venues across Scotland in Aberdeen, Dundee Edinburgh and Glasgow, will return to normal trading hours and capacity for the first time since March 2020. More than 700 people are employed by the casino industry in Scotland which contributed £30m in tax to the UK economy last year.

The confirmation from First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, that Scotland will move beyond level 0 from midnight on Monday 9th August, with all physical distancing and limits on gatherings removed, means the team at Grosvenor Casinos can continue to welcome back guests old and new to enjoy their favourite games, such as blackjack, poker and roulette, whilst raising a glass to the easing of restrictions.

Tony Reilly, General Manager at Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh, said: “It’s been a really difficult 18 months for the hospitality industry. Despite reopening most of our venues in May, the lifting of the final restrictions by Scottish Government is a huge relief for all our team members.

“It means we can start trading normally again and at full capacity which will enable us to create the thrilling atmosphere for guests to have fun, play their favourite casino games and enjoy quality time together again.

“Whilst we must remain vigilant and will continue to have robust health and safety measures in place in line with government guidance, we can’t wait to welcome customers old and new through our doors to enjoy the great gaming and entertainment experience they know and love with Grosvenor.”

Grosvenor Casino venues which opened from May 17th in line with Scottish Government guidance include:

·         Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen

·         Grosvenor Casino Dundee

·         Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh Maybury

·         Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City

·         Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Riverboat

As well as gaming, guests can savour the delicious food and drink options with a range of dishes available that will cater to every taste. Fans of sport will also be pleased to hear that live sporting events will be available to watch when they visit the casino – just in time for the start of the new football season.

Casino businesses have invested millions of pounds to ensure venues are safe for its team and customers to play. Arriving at the casino, all customers will be registered at reception before using the hand sanitiser which will be readily available, whilst regular cleaning will take place each day, including tables, chips and machines.

Every casino will continue to make screens available for customers to use on gaming tables and electronic machines, should they wish.

Grosvenor Casinos will continue to accept cash and will encourage customers to use contactless payment, where possible. There will be safety shields at all tills to protect both team members and customers, and face masks will be worn throughout.

Guests will be able to enjoy food and drink with dining seating appropriately spaced. Pre-orders can be made at their table or from their machine, either using the online app, or by placing an order with the valet service.

To find out more information visit www.grosvenorcasinos.com and please gamble responsibly: www.begambleaware.org

Take off for Loganair’s new Scotland-Wales air link

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, today launches its new direct service linking the capital cities of Scotland and Wales.

To mark the launch of the new route between Edinburgh and Cardiff, Loganair’s head of revenue and sales, Donna McHugh, will fly to the Welsh capital to meet Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport.

The service will operate up to five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, connecting Scotland and Wales for business and leisure travellers alike.

Flights will be on Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jets, with prices on the 1hr 20min trip starting at £50.99 one way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance.  

The direct flights represent the last major route to be restored by Loganair and other carriers, thereby bringing back the domestic connectivity lost when Flybe collapsed in March 2020.

The Cardiff service adds to the eight others already flown from Edinburgh by Loganair, including Southampton, Newquay and the Isle of Man.

Donna McHugh, head of revenue and sales at Loganair, said: “Loganair is delighted to once again be operating the Edinburgh to Cardiff route.

“It is vital that connectivity is maintained between these two major cities and we know it will prove very popular with both our leisure and business travellers.”

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: “It’s fantastic that Loganair has re-instated such a vital and in-demand route, re-connecting the Scottish and Welsh capitals.

“Once again, customers will be able to fly with ease between Cardiff and Edinburgh, and fly from their local Airport for business travel, to visit friends and family, or to experience the vibrant city of Edinburgh and Scotland’s natural beauty.

“It is our priority to re-instate routes lost due to COVID-19 pandemic, and we are delighted that Scotland’s airline has stepped in to provide an essential service to both our business and leisure customers. We’d like to extend a warm Welsh welcome to Loganair and thank the airline for their support.”

Kate Sherry, aviation director at Edinburgh Airport said: “We’re excited to be reconnecting the capitals of Scotland and Wales, a route which will allow family members to reunite as well as enable people to enjoy a well-earned break in Edinburgh and Cardiff.

“It’s been an extremely tough period and we know people are looking forward to enjoying some time away from home, and this is further good news as the airport looks to provide those opportunities for our passengers. Loganair is a valued partner and its confidence in Edinburgh Airport is welcome now and going forward.”

More support for the ‘Grand Old Lady of Leven Street’

CAPITAL THEATRES SECURES £6.5 MILLION GRANT CONTRIBUTION FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE £25 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT OF THE KING’S THEATRE

Minister for Culture and International Development, Jenny Gilruth MSP, has confirmed total grant funding of £6.5 million from the Scottish Government for the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Project.

Opened in 1906, the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh is an important venue for touring drama, musicals and children’s shows. It is home to Scotland’s biggest Panto production and each year plays a pivotal role in hosting the Edinburgh International Festival.

The King’s has a unique place in the hearts and minds of many Edinburgh residents, and is a theatre of national and historical importance.

The redevelopment will modernise the existing facilities and transform the experiences of visitors, local communities, performers and staff, whilst preserving its unique heritage.

The plans will ensure the theatre remains a vital part of Edinburgh and Scotland’s cultural provision, as well as functioning as a community hub for years to come. The redevelopment project is set to start in September 2022, with the theatre planned to reopen in mid-2024.

This grant from the Scottish Government joins £4 million already secured from the City of Edinburgh Council along with additional loan funding. The rest of the budget is made-up of generous donations from individuals, grants from trusts and foundations, support from companies and Capital Theatres’ own contribution from ticket income.

Alongside this an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is currently moving into its second stage. The grant from Scottish Government consolidates a robust mixed funding model and paves the way for a public campaign to fundraise for the remaining £3 million.

Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “We’re overjoyed with this show of support and confidence in the King’s Redevelopment Project from the Scottish Government.

“As COVID 19 hit in March 2020, Capital Theatres announced that the redevelopment of the King’s would be paused for a year whilst we dealt with the impact of the pandemic. Far from lose momentum on the project, 15 months of closure has made us all the more determined to ensure the King’s Theatre can honour its illustrious past with a thriving future at the heart of Edinburgh and Scotland’s cultural life. 

“Not only a wonderful venue for joy and inspiration, the King’s will also offer a thriving hub by day for the many communities situated in and around Tollcross.  Scottish Government’s grant, along with the grant and loan funding from City of Edinburgh Council, makes this project viable.

“This funding stands alongside the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant we are working so hard to secure, and the tireless efforts of our Development Team. There is, however, still a way to go to reach our financial target and we’ll be launching a public fundraising campaign later in the year.  

“This last push will build on the generous support shown during our period of closure, so the people of Edinburgh and Scotland can continue to play their part by helping us secure the future of the King’s as a historical and cultural treasure.”

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The King’s Theatre has been a jewel in Edinburgh’s cultural crown for more than a 100 years, with generations of audiences enjoying a rich diversity of shows from its annual pantomimes to world premieres at the Edinburgh International Festival.

“The Scottish Government is pleased to support the redevelopment of the grade A-listed theatre and enable the King’s Theatre to reach out to a wider range of audience and increase its community engagement.”

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson said: “The King’s has been a beloved Edinburgh theatre for over a century, programming the best in touring drama, hosting some of the most talented community and non-professional groups; and certainly the best in pantomime, as well as bringing all kinds of theatre experiences to the city from all over the country, including London’s West End. 

“The ‘Grand Old Lady of Leven Street’ has always been Edinburgh’s theatre for everyone.” 

Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener said: “The King’s is in need of this capital project to bring the theatre back to a standard fit for the 21st century whilst acknowledging the incredible history. 

“This capital funding contribution is great news and a fantastic achievement for the theatre and will substantially strengthen its redevelopment ambitions, ensuring that we will all be able to continue to enjoy a great night at the King’s for many more years and generations to come.”

Luck of the Scottish!

Partick & Dunfermline bingo players bring home £100,000 in TWO DAYS

Since Scottish bingo clubs re-opened their doors to customers in May over 50% of big wins on the National Bingo Game have been in Scotland, with the lucky Jackpot winners sharing in over £350,000 in prize money. It’s no wonder Scottish players love their bingo.

Of ten top level Jackpot Prizes won on the National Bingo Game this year six have been claimed in Scotland: Dundee, Greenock (twice), Motherwell and now in rapid succession Partick and Dunfermline, where players each won £50,000 on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th July, both at clubs run by Scotland’s largest independent bingo operator, Carlton Bingo. 

Regular players at Carlton Bingo Partick saw a 78 year-old mother of two, grandmother of two and great grandmother of one, who has been playing bingo and loving bingo for over 59 years call house on the afternoon of Tuesday 6th July.

The lucky winner had been introduced to the game by her elder sister who sadly died a number of years ago.  The winner and her two sisters were all bingo fans and previously she had won and shared prizes of £2,000 and £5,000, but nothing prepared for this latest win!

The Partick winner was with a friend and her daughter, having a catch-up, when her bingo took an unexpected and exciting turn. While playing the National Bingo Game her numbers just kept coming out and suddenly she realised she was calling house!  The house prize was a sure win, but then the caller confirmed that she had actually won a £50,000 jackpot Prize! She could not believe her luck!

Talking with players and staff after the win was confirmed, she said: “I love my bingo and always have. I am only a little sad that neither of my sisters are here to share my latest and biggest win, as we always shared, even 50p!

“I still enjoy coming as it’s a great place to make new friends and winning is always a bonus.”

Gary Duncanson, General Manager at Carlton Bingo Partick said, “It is always great to see people win, but there is something really wonderful about seeing a regular win the big £50,000 Jackpot prize on the National Bingo Game, especially after such a difficult year: the winner lost her second sister earlier this year, so there were a lot of tears shed in the afternoon by staff and customers. Mostly tears of joy, tinged with a little sadness.”

The following day another Carlton Bingo customer, this time at the Dunfermline club in Fife Leisure Park scooped another £50,000 Jackpot prize.

The lucky winner is a regular player at the club, having also been a regular at the club’s previous location at the Alhambra in Canmore Street: she loves her bingo, as it’s a great social night out with friends and once the tears of joy and surprise had subsided she confessed to being totally shocked by the win, but that she is also a firm believer that you have to be in it to win it.

Graham Lowson, General Manager at Carlton Bingo Dunfermline said: “We were all very excited on the night of the win and it was great to see such a huge National Bingo Game prize go to a regular player here at Carlton Bingo: it really is a great feeling when a customer gets a big win and to hear the club cheer.

“Carlton Dunfermline is no stranger to big wins, we have had three £50,000 winners before this one, and Carlton Bingo is clearly on a winning streak as yesterday afternoon Carlton Partick also had a thrilled £50,000 winner – that’s what I call afternoon delight!”

Alastair Stewart, Business Development Manager at the National Bingo Game said: “We are thrilled for our latest lucky National Bingo Game £50,000 Jackpot winners in Partick and Dunfermline and we hope that they enjoy their winnings.

“Scotland does seem to be lucky for bingo fans who also claimed Jackpot prizes on 27th June as part of this year’s National Bingo Day.”                                                                                               
To find a participating club and for further information on the National Bingo Game visit www.nationalbingo.co.uk. or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NationalBingoGame) and Twitter.com @nationalbingo.

All players must be aged 18 or over.  The National Bingo Game is played under the provisions of The Gambling Act 2005 and played under National Bingo Game Players’ Rules.

Players should always gamble responsibly.  For more information and advice visit www.BeGambleAware.org

Edinburgh’s Maison Sport secures Future Fund investment

Game-changing ski instructor platform Maison Sport is among only a handful of travel businesses to secure finance from the UK Government’s Future Fund.

The trio behind the innovative tech start-up, which connects skiers and snowboarders with some of Europe’s best instructors, set out to apply for the funding support in May 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the scheme launched.

With the travel sector hit hard by the impacts of Covid-19, Maison Sport felt the effects of closures at countless resorts across Europe and ski holidays cancelled for many.  The funding has given the tech start-up a much-needed financial boost, allowing the platform to continue to support independent instructors across Europe.

The Future Fund – developed by government and delivered by the British Business Bank – was established to support the UK’s innovative businesses affected by Covid-19. It was created for businesses unable to access other government business support programmes, due to being pre-revenue or pre-profit and typically reliant on equity investment. 

With a third-party investor willing to support the growth and ambitions of Maison Sport, the trio of founders were able to apply for the convertible loan which saw the government match their investor funds.

It is the latest success in Maison Sport’s fundraising drive to ensure the business survives and thrives through the pandemic.  

Over the past six months, the business has secured further funds from their existing advisory board members Kevin Byrne, Founder of Checkatrade.com and serial entrepreneur Lorenz Bogaert, as well as new investor, Gareth Williams, Co-Founder of Skyscanner. This will enable Maison Sport’s expansion into new markets globally and will help to grow their impressive international portfolio of instructors and customers.

Started by three former ski champions – brothers Nick and Olly Robinson and Aaron Tipping – Maison Sport has more than doubled the number of instructors in its marketplace throughout the pandemic. It is currently represented in more than 350 resorts, with over 1,200 qualified instructors across France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

The aim now is to expand into four new markets this year – Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Japan – with plans to move into Asia and South America next year.

Founder and CEO Nick Robinson says: “We’ve worked so hard to remain positive and ambitious over this past year or so. The Future Fund initiative has really given us a boost to move on to the next level.

“As the only platform dedicated to independent instructors, we’re really optimistic about the way Maison Sport is evolving and we’re looking forward to spreading our vision globally.”

Future Fund, delivered by the British Business Bank, has allowed companies to apply for a convertible loan with private investors at least matching the government investment. 

For more information visit www.maisonsport.com