NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, has invested GBP500 thousand in Airship Services Ltd, a provider of customer relationship and marketing platforms.
The funding will allow the Sheffield-based company to further develop its technology and create eight new jobs in the coming months for additional developers, sales and customer service staff.
The company’s first product, Airship is used by over 50 customers across more than 600 locations. Airship draws together data from different sources to help operators understand more about their customers and their visiting habits.
Airship Services’ second product, Toggle, allows hospitality companies to sell and manage gift cards and experiences. Launched in October last year, it is now live in over 350 locations and generates over GBP50 thousand a week for its customers.
Dan Brookman leads Airship as the CEO. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, he and technology specialist Rob Marcer founded the business in 2002 to offer specialised communication solutions to the sector.
Brookman says: “Both our platforms have enjoyed a surge in new customers and after the success of Airship, Toggle is being well received in the market. We are delighted with this investment and are looking forward to building on the growth of the past year.”
Will Schaffer, Investment Manager with Mercia, adds: “The hospitality industry is highly competitive, and understanding and engaging with customers is key to success. Airship is shaking up the industry by offering companies of all sizes the technology that enables them to do that.”
Mark Wilcockson, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, says: “NPIF continues to provide vital funding to Northern businesses across the region. We are pleased to continue this support, and are proud to work in partnership with Mercia and our other appointed fund managers to make a real impact on business communities, creating jobs and strengthening regional economies to unlock the North’s potential.”
