Outdoor clothing group gears up for growth with £48.5m funding boost
Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd, the home of technical outdoor apparel brand Rab, is set to expand its operating footprint thanks to a £48.5m funding package from HSBC UK.
The eight-figure deal has enabled the Derbyshire-based outfitters to acquire a new six-acre warehousing facility in Alfreton.
Located two miles from key logistics corridors, including the M1 and A38, the site will support Equip’s continued growth by bringing multiple existing sites together in one location.
Improving operational efficiency, as the business scales even further across the UK and international markets.
The funding will also provide additional working capital to help deliver the company’s wider business plan, which is targeting 40 per cent growth in annual sales over the next three years, and refinances existing borrowing facilities.
Alongside its growth ambitions, the company is focused on its longer-term sustainability and social impact goals.
The HSBC UK funding has been structured as a Sustainability Improvement Loan facility1, linked to the company’s EcoVadis rating and supporting its continued progress against its sustainability objectives.
In addition, Equip, including Rab, became certified as a B Corporation (B Corp) in April 2026, recognising its performance across social and environmental standards, transparency and accountability.
Rob Maynard, Chief Operating Officer at Equip said: “Demand for Rab’s technical products has grown significantly over the last few years, and this funding gives us the ability to build on that momentum.
The valued ongoing support from HSBC UK will help us expand capacity and put the right foundations in place for the next stage of our journey.”
Philip Carr, senior relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Alongside strong commercial growth, Equip has shown a clear commitment to embedding sustainability and responsible business practices into its long-term strategy.
The team have led the business with real ambition, backed by a thoughtful approach to future growth and we’re pleased to be supporting them through this next exciting stage.”
Pictured: from left - Dave Ramsden (Head of Corporate East Midlands HSBC UK) Richard Leedham (CEO Equip) Rob Maynard (COO Equip) Phil Carr (Senior Relationship Director HSBC UK)
