Golfbays Growth Journey – From Management Buyout to International Expansion

Golfbays is an impressive example of what happens when an owner-managed entrepreneurial business combines product focus with commercial pace. As demand for home-based and venue-based golf simulation accelerates, the Cheshire-based specialist is scaling quickly and expanding internationally.

JS began working with Golfbays in 2020 and supported the team through its management-buyout (MBO) in March 2025, helping create the platform for its next phase of growth.

Building Momentum in a Fast-Moving Market

Golf simulation began as a specialist offering and has now expanded into a broader experience economy, from home set-ups through to premium commercial venues.

Founded by managing director and former PGA professional Rob Hart, Golfbays has built a focused offer supplying simulator equipment to consumers, while also supporting operators delivering golf simulation experiences.

For the year ended 31 May 2025, Golfbays reported a 75% increase in sales, rising from £3.2m to £5.6m. The business is forecasting turnover of more than £10m this financial year, reflecting both market demand and the team’s ability to stay ahead  evolving customer expectations.

Rob Hart, Managing Director of Golfbays, said: “Growing Golfbays from an idea into a thriving business has been hugely rewarding. This latest year of record sales reflects the hard work of the team and our ability to stay ahead of where the market is moving – from home set-ups through to high-quality commercial simulation venues. The MBO was a key step to getting the platform to move faster and expand internationally.”

Turning International Demand into Scalable Growth

For many owner-managed businesses experiencing rapid growth, international expansion presents different challenges as well as opportunities. New markets introduce additional operational considerations, working capital pressures, and decisions that need to be made quickly.

Golfbays has already expanded its international footprint to meet demand overseas, opening additional sites in the US, the Netherlands and Australia. The success of that expansion has been rooted in clever commercial decision-making, understanding where growth is most profitable, when to invest, and how to protect momentum as the business scales.

A Management Buyout that matched the pace of Ambition

We advised Golfbays on its MBO in March 2025, bringing accounting, tax and advisory expertise to support the transaction and provide the confidence needed at a pivotal stage in the company’s development.

Our relationship with Golfbays has evolved beyond the fundamental accounting needs into a broader strategic partnership, helping the leadership team make clear decisions, backed by practical financial insight.

Emma Birchall, Accounts Partner at JS, said: “Owner-managed businesses like Golfbays need more than just basic accounting and compliance; they also need the strategic advice that matches the pace and agility of their growth ambitions. From the MBO through to the next phase of global growth, it’s been a pleasure to work with Rob and the team to bring clear advice that informs their decisions with clarity and confidence. It is a standout regional growth story, with no indications of slowing down, and we’re excited to continue supporting Golfbays through its next phase.”

Making Fnance a Strategic Force for Owner-Managers

Businesses that are growing rapidly experience heightened pressure on reporting, cash flow, forecasting, operational capacity and governance. Owner-managers need to consider their finance functions strategically to support fast growth and ensure that it remains sustainable.

We help businesses build the financial clarity and confidence to move at speed, whether that’s through strategic transactions like an MBO, or the day-to-day decisions that determine performance.

Golfbays’ trajectory reflects what we see in the strongest owner-led businesses - bold ambition and a commitment to building something that lasts.

The next phase is about scaling what is already working for the team and ensuring the finance function continues to support better, faster decisions as the business grows.