Funding helps training firm modernise historic mill

A Cumbrian leadership and management training specialist is investing in more accessible facilities following a six-figure funding boost.

Dove Nest Group has secured a loan from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

The investment will support improvements to the company’s residential training centre at Crosthwaite Mill, an 18th-century former corn mill set within riverside grounds in the Lyth Valley, near Kendal.

Plans include converting ground-floor offices into accessible accommodation and facilities for disabled people and wheelchair users, helping the business welcome a wider range of clients.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Dave and Karen Moore, Dove Nest Group has more than 45 years’ experience delivering leadership, management and professional development programmes.

Its services include executive coaching, talent development, psychometric profiling and business psychology, supporting clients from graduate to director level.

The company, which also has offices in Millness, near Crooklands, achieved the expected standard across all areas in its June 2026 Ofsted inspection.

Beth Burrow, finance director at Dove Nest Group, said: “Our training facility offers a fantastic retreat where attendees can take time away to focus on their career and personal development.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for us as we look to preserve the heritage of our historic corn mill while modernising it for the future. 

“This funding allows us to transform our ground-floor offices into high-quality, accessible residential spaces, ensuring that wheelchair users and those with disabilities can fully enjoy our facilities. 

“It is a step forward for our future growth, and we are incredibly grateful to Caroline Turley and the team at FW Capital whose fantastic support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. 

“It’s been two years in the making and it’s fantastic to have secured this funding.”

Caroline Turley, investment executive at FW Capital, added: “Dove Nest Group is a well-established family run business that delivers accredited leadership and management training to organisations across the UK. 

“Their training facility is housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building, and through this funding, we are helping them sensitively adapt the site for the future. 

“By transforming the space to be fully accessible for residents with mobility issues, this project is ensuring inclusivity is at the heart of their growth.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, added: “We’re committed to backing businesses across every part of the North through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, ensuring business in cities and more remote parts of the region like Cumbria have the same access to finance. 

“With the support in place, Dove Nest Group will be able to expand the accessibility of its services, ensuring everyone can benefit and upskill themselves, of which has benefits for the wider regional economy and labour market.”

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