Valley Adventures, an ambitious new business set up by Dan Fawkes and Simon Palmer, has been backed by a £3000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise’s Regeneration Fund and is expecting around 200 people a week to enjoy activities during the summer.
The Centre is the realisation of a long-held dream for the outdoor and fitness instructors who have an impressive range of qualifications, skills and expertise built up here and abroad.
Dan Fawkes is a swimmer, triathlete, rock climber and served more than 12 years in the RAF as a development coach and outdoor instructor. Simon Palmer is a stand up paddle instructor and a veteran of outdoor challenges around the world including South Africa, Vietnam and Australia with a law degree and Diploma in Work Psychology.
They are backed by a team of highly qualified and experienced instructors, including Kieran Rankin, a seasoned outdoor instructor and youth worker; Alex Frood, a talented outdoor photographer and mountaineer and Callum Anderson, their technical advisor.
It means the Centre can provide a massive range of activities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities that also include coasteering, bush-craft, map reading, navigation, orienteering and team building.
“This is something we have talked about doing for years,” said Dan Fawkes. “We have started it whilst we are still both working because the site became available and it was too good an opportunity to miss. We love this area and it is a perfect location for us."
“It has been a big commitment so the money from UK Steel Enterprise has been a massive help to buy equipment such as helmets, ropes and wet suits. We all love outdoor activities and are totally committed to helping others experience them because we believe they are so valuable."
“Seeing children and adults rise to challenges, learn new skills, solve problems, work in a team and become leaders is inspiring. They also have a huge amount of fun enjoying the natural environment and escaping from the everyday hustle and bustle."
“Interest and demand is rising fast with corporate bookings and school groups proving to be real growth areas and we expect up to 200 people a week to use the Centre this summer,” he added.
Peter Taylor, Area Manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary said: “This is exactly the sort of start-up project our Regeneration Fund was set up to help. Valley Adventures is providing invaluable experiences and skills for young people and adults and we have every confidence that the business will prove a big success.”
Details of UK Steel Enterprise’ support for businesses is available on 01642 777 777 and at www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. Valley Adventures is on www.valley-adventures.com
Children from Ormesby Primary School get to grips with fire-lighting at Valley Adventures in Saltburn with (from left) Simon Palmer, Peter Taylor of investor UK Steel Enterprise and Dan Fawkes.
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