Business growth on target for Nottingham shooting range

We’re delighted to announce that the finishing touches are now being made to a shooting range complex at our Arnold Business Centre in Nottingham. 

Wentworth Sporting Supplies moved into the basement of the business centre last year, opening its retail store in September 2014. The firm has since opened a café and now boasts two 25-yard shooting ranges – one for air rifles and pistols and one for target rifles and pistols.

The facility is the only one of its kind in Nottingham and is proving extremely popular with customers.

Family business

Wentworth Sporting Supplies is run by husband and wife team Chris and Amy Pannell. It is the couple’s first business venture and former PCSO Amy admits they were not sure how it would work out.

“We first began trading from home to friends and the local gun club. We realised there was a huge market and began doing quite a few trade fairs throughout the year,” Amy says.

“We both agreed we wanted to do things properly and to open our own shop, so we saved up to purchase stock and built the business slowly, without any loans or mortgages. We didn’t quite know what to expect, or whether our idea would work, so it is fantastic to see how popular the store and the shooting range has become.”

Transformation of a business unit

Their workspace at the Nottingham business centre had previously been used by a firm that sold deactivated firearms. Amy says they were first attracted to the unit because it already had high security in place. However, a lot of fit-out work was required to transform it into the environment they needed, including sound proofing, high density blocks and steel sheeting. 

Manager of Arnold Business Centre, Jamie Douglas, explains how Bizspace helped Wentworth Sporting Supplies get their business unit in shape.

He says: “The unit had been used for storage for some time and was in need of some attention. Bizspace carried out extensive remedial works and our maintenance operatives were  hands on at the start to bring the unit up to an excellent standard, which was then complemented by the company’s own works. The transformation really is incredible.

“We helped put together a great package for Wentworth Sporting Supplies. The enormous investment they were making illustrated their confidence that they would stay with Bizspace for the long term.”

Popular for parties

Not only has the store and shooting range proved very popular with locals, including a number of Amy’s former PCSO colleagues, it has become a unique party venue for children aged 10 and above.

“The kids love it!  We have exploding targets, flash-bangs, moving targets and there are lots of things they can do,” says Amy.

“They are watched over at all times and there are strict rules, so there is no messing about. Not only can they try something new, but it instills a sense of discipline and teaches them responsibility.”

Amy, who gained her firearms certificate even before she learnt to drive, is keen to get more female members to come along to the range – and even offer it as a fun activity for hen parties. Instructors are on hand so that anyone can give shooting a try, no matter what their level of experience.

Amy, Chris and the team are currently busy preparing to go on the road for the Great British Shooting Show which takes place over the Valentine’s Day weekend. The firm still exhibits regularly at trade shows, with this being one of the largest.

For enquiries, please contact Amy and Chris on 07879 891744.

Arnold Business Centre

Our Arnold Business Centre offers workspace from offices and studios to storage units and mailbox services. It also benefits from loading bays, 24-hour access, security and monitored CCTV, as well as an on-site team. See the business centre page for more information or contact Jamie on 0115 959 8808.