Santander backs a winner at Belstane

Equestrian and outdoor brands distributor Belstane Marketing is galloping onwards following new investment and a new banking agreement with Santander Corporate Banking.

The deal will enable the firm to further invest in and promote its own brand of outdoor clothing and footwear, Rok.

The Derbyshire-based company is set for major expansion following investment from Ansor Textile Solutions and has moved its banking facilities to Santander from Royal Bank of Scotland. The banking deal includes a £1.2 million invoice financing facility plus £315,000 trade finance and access to an overdraft.

Ansor Textiles now owns 100% of shares in Belstane and in return, has provided 25% of Ansor shares to Belstane Managing Director, David Stuart-Monteith. Belstane employs 21 full-time staff at its head office in Ashbourne and showroom in London, and is focused on increasing the group's £5 million annual turnover.

Belstane, founded in 1995 and owned by former Army officer David Stuart-Monteith, has built a strong reputation by importing and selling international equestrian brands covering footwear and clothing, as well as accessories.

Adrian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Office of Ansor Textiles, said:  "We are very confident of success with Belstane, following our recent investment and we look forward to building on the company's steady growth in recent years with the support of Santander."

Jon Bennett, Relationship Director at Santander Corporate Banking, said: "At Santander, we are keen to support businesses with realistic and strong plans for the future, and I think Belstane is a prime example of a business with strong plans. I'm delighted the team have decided to move their banking facilities to us and I really look forward to building a partnership with the Belstane team."

Belstane is best known for major equestrian brands such as Trabucco, Rapture, Pikeur, Eskadron and Muckboot but has also expanded into fishing and gardening brands. The business is also now making and importing its own Wellington boot brand, Rok.

For more information on Belstane or Rok, visit belstane.com.