Southampton-based roof tent business TentBox is accelerating growth in new markets thanks to a £5.5 million funding package from HSBC UK.
TentBox is using the funding to expand into the EU retail market with a three-year growth strategy, marking its first venture into international trade beyond the UK. The business has already kicked off its plans with a digital campaign featuring new websites in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and France, as well as social media and Google marketing efforts. These initiatives have sparked promising discussions with major EU retailers.
As a result of these steps, the business expects strong double-digit growth in 2025, surpassing £20 million in revenue. This follows an impressive 70 per cent growth in 2024.
To accommodate this growth, the company has recently relocated to a significantly larger headquarters in North Baddesley and has already welcomed 15 new team members in 2025. Hiring is set to continue throughout the year, with plans to expand the workforce from 47 to 60 employees by year-end.
Oliver Shurville, founder and CEO of TentBox, said: “The support from HSBC UK, with its international footprint has enabled us to focus on growth and team expansion. We’re excited to be making strides into EU markets, propelling the business forward. The funding has allowed us to further invest in product development, ensuring we maintain our market dominance and stay ahead of industry trends.”
Catherine Painter, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “After achieving remarkable organic and rapid growth in the UK over the past nine years, we’re delighted to support TentBox in carrying this momentum through its ambitious international expansion plans.”
TentBox was founded in the UK in 2014 after brothers Ollie and Neill pursued their ambition to make rooftop tents the next big thing by designing models that could fit any vehicle. Today, TentBox is the best-selling roof tent brand in Britain.
