The iconic Portmeirion holiday village and resort in North Wales has secured a seven-figure loan from HSBC.
The resort, which has reopened, has secured funding from the 海角视频 Government's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is administered via the British Business Bank with more than 80 accredited lenders
The Italian renaissance-style village, near Porthmadog, became world famous in the 1960s when it provided the backdrop for the cult classic TV series The Prisoner.
The village was forced to close to day-trippers and holidaymakers following the Covid-19 outbreak but has now fully reopened its two hotels, 13 self-catering holiday cottages and on-site restaurants.
Overnight guests form a significant part of Portmeirion鈥檚 revenue, and since July 6, as per guidance from the Welsh Government, only day-trippers were allowed to visit the famous site.
The funding from HSBC 海角视频 ensures that the village can cover its substantial fixed costs throughout the year and protect the future of its workforce following the disruption of its usually busy spring and early-summer period. Portmeirion implemented the 海角视频聽 Government鈥檚 furlough scheme for 99% of its 239 employees, with the vast majority now back at work.
Robin Llywelyn, managing director of Portmeirion, said: 鈥淭hanks to HSBC 海角视频鈥檚 support, we were able to ensure Portmeirion was ready to open for business as soon as it was safe to do so.
鈥淭he funding has secured the future of the resort and ensured that our employees have been taken care of while the furlough scheme is in place.
鈥淲e take pride in Portmeirion鈥檚 architectural heritage, especially as its popularity allows us to help support the local economy.
鈥淭his funding will enable the village to continue in its role of helping support the local economy for many years to come.鈥
Simon Pearson, corporate relationship director, North Wales and Cheshire, HSBC 海角视频, said: 鈥淧ortmeirion has established itself as one of the most sought-after holiday resorts in the 海角视频 and we鈥檙e happy to support the future of the village despite these unprecedented times.鈥
