Financier and private equity investor, Guy Hands has invested into Oatlands Village and now owns a third of parent company, F B Limited, alongside Chris Coles and Bailiwick Investments Limited.
In 2015, Chris Coles and Bailiwick formed F B Limited, a joint venture to purchase the six-acre site, and since then there has been a significant investment into the facilities. Now Mr Hands has joined them as shareholders, which will allow further improvements to be made.
“Oatlands has changed so much and is now a successful, thriving and popular destination for locals and visitors. Over the last five years we have built Oaty & Joey’s, which is one of the UK’s largest playbarns and possibly the only one in the world with a real aircraft, G-Joey, suspended from the ceiling, added trampolines, e-cars, a bowling alley, the island’s first drive-thru, and we have just finished upgrading the crazy golf course to 32 holes. We have also constructed new toilets and we have new tenants in a toy shop and a beauty salon,” said Mr Coles.
“With Guy’s involvement and the continued support of Bailiwick Investments Limited, we will shortly open a nursery and have exciting plans to further expand our activities and provide entertainment for all ages.”
In welcoming Mr Hands, Mr Coles also thanked former shareholder Gareth Griffin who remains involved as a consultant. “Gareth’s experience from an operational perspective has been instrumental and we are delighted that we will still have access to his ideas and knowledge.”
Mr Hands said it was exciting to be involved in something different. “Oatlands is a wonderful place and offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a gift, school uniforms, chocolate or a new pet, wanting to entertain the children or enjoy delicious food. I’ve watched with interest the difference the investment from F B Limited has made and am delighted to join as a shareholder to enable further development and improvements. We want Oatlands to be the island’s favourite year-round destination,” he said.
F B Limited is one part of the Bailiwick Investment Limited portfolio. Bailiwick has been investing in Channel Islands’ business for more than a decade with the objective of delivering long-term capital growth to shareholders, the majority of whom are locally-based.
“Guy’s business acumen and achievements are well documented, and I have no doubt that he will bring a different perspective to F B Limited which will contribute to the continued success of Oatlands Village. There are some great things planned for the future which we know will be welcomed by Islanders and visitors alike who will continue to be huge supporters of Oatlands Village,” said chairman Sir Geoffrey Rowland.
Ravenscroft is investment manager to Bailiwick Investments Limited, and group CEO Jon Ravenscroft welcomed Mr Hands as a partner. “It is refreshing to have the Hands’ family involvement as they are so committed and enthusiastic about investing in Guernsey and its future,” he said.
Main picture shows Sir Geoffrey Rowland, Guy Hands, Chris Coles and Jon Ravenscroft.
