Asia Travel Specialist Secures NPIF II Funding to Drive Expansion and Innovation

Stockport-based Asia Travel Specialist (ATS) has secured a £50,000 investment from NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans to support its expansion and the development of a new travel booking platform for UK travel agents.

Expanding Expertise & Innovation in Travel

Founded by Andy Carroll, ATS leverages deep industry expertise and first-hand experience in South East Asia, particularly Vietnam, to provide UK travel agents with unrivalled knowledge, bespoke packages, and exclusive access to market-leading rates.

Now, with NPIF II funding, ATS is developing an innovative digital platform that will transform how UK travel agents create and customise travel packages. The new system will streamline processes, enabling agents to build tailored itineraries quickly and efficiently while maintaining access to ATS’s expert support.

Driving Growth & Job Creation

ATS is already seeing success, with revenue reaching £1 million last year. With this latest funding, the company is set to scale further, creating six new jobs in the North West over the next year. The business is committed to supporting local talent by offering remote work opportunities and a positive work-life balance.

Backing from NPIF II & GCBF

Andy Carroll, Founder of ATS, said: "We've built strong relationships across Asia, and our deep expertise gives us a real market advantage. The NPIF II funding from GCBF is a game-changer—it will help us enhance our platform, scale our business, and create new job opportunities in the region. Small businesses need this kind of support now more than ever, and we’re excited about what’s ahead."

Joanne Barlow, Investment Manager at GC Business Finance, added: "Asia Travel Specialist has a clear vision for growth and innovation. Andy’s market knowledge and commitment to job creation make ATS a valuable asset to the region. We’re proud to support him on this journey with NPIF II funding."

Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: "It's fantastic to see how NPIF II funding is helping businesses like ATS to scale and innovate. Their approach to travel booking has huge growth potential, and it’s great to see them creating jobs and driving economic impact from their North West base."

About NPIF II

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) supports businesses across the North of England, offering loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million. The fund aims to fuel innovation, drive economic growth, and break down barriers to finance for small and growing businesses.