1 July 2025
One of the UK’s biggest providers of canal boating holidays and marina services is embarking on a bold new phase of sustainable growth, following the completion of a £5 million funding agreement with Lloyds.
Founded more than 45 years ago as a boat hire business, ABC Leisure Group has since evolved into a nationwide operation with a 17-marina network offering an extensive range of canal-related services. Boat hire remains a core part of its identity, with a fleet of around 250 self-drive narrowboats accommodating between two and twelve guests. The business now also offers private moorings, brokerage, boat repairs and bespoke
off-grid energy solutions – all while supporting both leisure and residential boating communities, with a peak season workforce of up to 300 people.
The Lloyds-backed £5m funding package has enabled the business to restructure existing borrowing and invest in the continued expansion of its network, following the acquisition of several new marina sites.
The firm’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy. For example, boat shells are fabricated offsite and transported via the canal network to its Alvechurch base for fitting out – reducing road traffic and aligning with the company’s low-carbon goals.
But the investment goes beyond bricks and mortar. The funding is also supporting a raft of green initiatives aimed at reducing the business’s carbon footprint and future-proofing operations. This includes the installation of solar panels across its sites, a transition to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel for its diesel-powered fleet, and the development of energy-efficient infrastructure.
A major catalyst in this drive is the company’s 2021 acquisition of Springwood Marina, which brought with it Onboard Energy - a specialist in off-grid energy systems. Onboard Energy supplies and installs solar panels battery banks and full electrical systems, and has provided ABC Leisure with tailored solutions not just for boats, but also for caravans, campervans and van conversions.
The company, which receives roughly 100,000 visitors annually, is also exploring broader leisure opportunities. With plans in place to introduce up to 69 holiday lodges across four marina sites, it aims to diversify beyond narrowboats and tap into the wider holiday accommodation market. These developments are expected to double profitability in the coming years and further reinforce the business’s position as the UK’s number one provider of canal boat holidays.
Paul Warrington, Relationship Director at Lloyds, said: “ABC Leisure Group is an outstanding example of a heritage business that continues to evolve with the times while staying true to its roots. We’re proud to support their ambitious growth strategy with a funding package that not only enables financial restructuring and site expansion but also powers a forward-thinking sustainability agenda.
“From solar installations and greener fuels to enhanced leisure accommodation, ABC is creating a modern, low-carbon experience for its customers - and we’re excited to play a part in helping them shape the future of UK inland tourism.”
Carl Onens, Managing Director at ABC Leisure Group, said: “Our journey over the past 45 years has always been rooted in passion for the waterways and a commitment to quality, but now we’re entering a new era - one where sustainability and diversification go hand-in-hand with growth.
“This partnership with Lloyds has enabled us to take a step back, refine how we operate, and invest with real purpose. It’s not just about adding more sites or services - it’s about making sure we’re building a future-ready business that reflects what today’s customers value: authentic experiences, environmental responsibility, and smarter, more sustainable travel.
“While we continue to diversify, boat hire remains at the heart of ABC Leisure Group. It’s where we started, and it’s still what many people know us best for today.”