Capital's Bruce takes on new EIS role

Capital Pub Company founder David Bruce is involved in a new Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) company looking to combine eating with farm-style food shops.

The country food and dining enterprise investment scheme fund aims for growth by investing in up to five out-of town businesses that combine eating out with farm-style food shops.

Directors are looking for freehold or long leasehold premises that can be seen from A roads or major B roads.

The sites will be at least 3 acres with the ability to extend to provide outdoor dining space for the summer months.

Other directors are Gordon Leatherdale and Jonathan Shearme.

Leatherdale has 13 years experience in leisure, management and finance, while Shearme has over 20 years experience in setting up and running out of town food retail and dining sites.

The company raised £2.3m through an EIS last year to buy their first site - Highclose Farm Shop near Hungerford.

A canal marina is being built nearby which could be helpful and there is no direct competition within a 30-mile radius.

Garden centres are also being considered. The scheme is being sponsored by investment management firm Smith & Williamson.