How BEAR Helped Playground Installation Experts Four Acres Play Scale Their Sustainable Business

We're proud to share the story of Four Acres of Play, a company that demonstrates how strategic financing can transform business operations.

A Growing Business with a Clear Mission

Since launching in 2020, Lisa and Lee Stuart have built Four Acres of Play into recognised experts in playground installation across South England, operating from their Wiltshire base.

Their philosophy of "Cultivating Play, Sowing Memories, Growing Adventures" reflects their commitment to creating eco-friendly play areas that inspire imagination while bringing sustainable solutions to schools, councils, commercial areas, and residential developments.

Since their launch, the Company has successfully expanded, growing both turnover and customer base, as well as completing projects for major contractors.

Lisa and Lee have shown impressive versatility, from installing a custom playground at the Army Royal Mechanical Engineers museum to creating state-of-the-art calisthenics areas at Wellington College's rugby academy. As a family-run business, Lisa and Lee take personal responsibility for every project, from design through to installation.

The Growth Challenge: Efficiency and Independence

Cash Flow Pressures

• Extended payment terms, often 60 days from project completion

• Significant upfront investment in materials and labour costs

• Tight project deadlines requiring careful resource management

Operational Dependencies

• Previous reliance on external contractors for site preparation work

• Limited control over project timelines due to contractor availability

• Reduced profit margins from contractor costs

Lisa and Lee recognised that to maintain their growth trajectory and enhance service delivery, they needed to invest in both operational capabilities and hard assets that would bring more of their process in-house.

BEAR's Comprehensive Solution

Rather than offering a single finance type, Aaron structured a solution that addressed both working capital needs and asset investment:

Term Loan

• Ease cash-flow to manage extended payment terms
• Marketing investment to support business development
• Operational expansion funding for larger, more complex projects
• Funds to grow and scale the business

Hard Asset Finance

• Strategic equipment investment including:
• Mini digger for site preparation
• Bobcat excavator for complex terrain
• Quad and trailer for enhanced site mobility and capability 

The new assets enabled Four Acres of Play to:

• Bring site preparation work in-house
• Reduce dependency on external contractors
• Improve project margins through cost control
• Enhance project timeline management
• Expand service offerings to include more complex installations

The Business Impact

• Enhanced Balance Sheet Strength
• Tangible asset investment improves financial position
• 20% capital allowance relief provides tax efficiency
• Hard assets retain value, provide security and increase balance sheet strength

Operational Excellence

• Complete project control from site preparation to installation
• Improved profit margins
• Enhanced ability to meet tight project deadlines
• Reduced operational risk through independence from contractors
• Capability to compete for larger, more complex projects
• Enhanced reputation through reliable project execution
• Ability to maintain their family-run, personalised approach while scaling operations
  

Working with BEAR

Lisa and Lee are building infrastructure that strengthens communities, creating spaces where children can "grow their adventures safely and imaginatively." The financing solution supports this mission while ensuring the business has the tools and resources to deliver exceptional results without compromising their commitment to quality and environmental sustainability.

BEAR & Growth Business Finance

Aaron's thoughts on growing businesses reflects BEAR's bespoke approach:

“Our solution for Four Acres of Play shows how the right combination of a Term Loan and Hard Asset Finance can transform operational capabilities:

Combining operational and asset finance for growth support

Structuring investments to maximise tax benefits

Financing solutions that enhance business independence and capability”

Ready to Transform Your Growth Strategy?

Every growing business faces the challenge of scaling operations while maintaining quality and profitability. Whether you're managing cash flow pressures, seeking to reduce operational dependencies, or planning strategic asset investments, we'd welcome the opportunity to understand your specific situation.

At BEAR, we take time to understand your business vision and create financing solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term strategic objectives.

Get in touch today 01832 770 273