Rascal Ranch, a children's soft play leisure business, has secured a six-figure debt finance investment from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven.
The funding will support the launch of a new, standalone Rascal Ranch site in Market Harborough, enabling the completion of the fit out, including the installation of a bespoke soft play area, two dedicated party rooms, and an on-site kitchen and cafe.
Founded by Kavita Patel, Rascal Ranch builds on her extensive operational experience in the leisure sector. In 2021, Kavita co‑established a successful leisure complex in Leicester featuring the original Rascal Ranch soft play centre, alongside indoor football and cricket facilities, a gym, and a restaurant. The new Market Harborough venue marks the next stage in the brand’s growth, following strong demand from families across the wider Midlands region.
The Leicester centre operates at full capacity during weekends and school holidays, with families regularly travelling from Nottingham and surrounding areas. Market Harborough was identified as an ideal location for expansion, addressing a growing demand for high-quality children’s leisure facilities locally.
In addition to soft play and party offerings, the new venue will introduce wellness services, including an in-house beautician, creating a distinctive, multi‑use leisure destination for families and the wider community. The development will also create several new jobs in the area.
Pictured: Kavita Patel, Managing Director and Founder of Rascal Ranch
“I’m thrilled to be opening our new soft play centre, creating new jobs, and continuing to grow within this wonderful community. I’m incredibly grateful to Maven for recognising the potential in both me and the business we’re building here. Working with Richard to bring this to life was a smooth and enjoyable experience, and his support made the process much easier to navigate.”
Kavita Patel, Managing Director and Founder of Rascal Ranch
“We are delighted to support Kavita with the launch of Rascal Ranch Market Harborough. Her success in Leicester highlights the strong demand for high-quality children’s leisure facilities, and this new site will provide an important family-focused amenity for the town and surrounding areas. The development will also create new jobs locally, and we are confident that Kavita’s vision and proven experience will make the business a success.
Richard Brighty, Investment Manager at Maven
“Backed by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, Rascal Ranch is set to expand in the Midlands. The funding will help provide parents with a vibrant and reliable space for children to stay active and engaged during school holidays. We wish Kavita and the wider Rascal Ranch team every success. We look forward to seeing the development of the site and the support it will offer to the local community.”
David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank
This latest investment adds to a growing list of businesses backed by MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. To date, the Fund has backed a diverse range of businesses including, Acres Insurance Brokers, a special agricultural insurance broker, Sleaford Building Services, mechanical, electrical and construction contractor, Lemon and Lime, a home staging business, TextureJet, a DeepTech firm, Sunset Commercial, a commercial brokerage business, Panoramix, an IP law firm, Advance Tapes, an independent adhesive tapes manufacturer, DUKE Distribution, a logistics and trackway installation provider and Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist.
As Fund Manager of MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is considering debt finance to support future growth please, click here.