Barrow Raiders would like to thank Barrow Eats and its owners, who have provided the club with significant cash funding that has allowed us to get on a more stable footing.
2025 has proven to be a very difficult year with income shortfalls combined with rises to employers’ National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage and significant wholesale price rises.
This continues to be a tough period for all rugby league clubs.
Barrow Rugby League Club is up to date with all wage payments, HMRC, Inland Revenue and all invoices, although there is some historic debt subject to short-term repayment plans.
The board of directors have maintained the playing budget at the 2025 level and has received additional funds for players through the Blue and White Knights group, for which we are so thankful.
There have been some internal staffing changes to help reduce costs, and the club is working incredibly hard to increase income from our events programme and our commercial partners.
2026 will be no easy ride, but we are fully committed to getting the club on an even keel and are thankful for the continued support from our fan base and sponsors. We are banking on that support to help maintain the 2026 budget that we have set and for the club to run sustainably.
We believe that we have put together an exciting squad that, by our own admission, is a little light on numbers, but new additions are in the pipeline either through the loan market or permanent signings.
We still have funds available to strengthen the team. We are confident that the squad will be fighting for a play-off position, and there is an exciting season in the pipeline.
The club would particularly like to thank Eats Group CEO Sam Cunningham for his financial support during this process. It is well documented that there is a reluctance from banks and other financial institutions to provide support to sporting teams due to the high-profile failings of some clubs, so having a local partner in Barrow Eats demonstrate so much faith in their local club has been a godsend.
Cash-flow remains challenging for the club, but the overall financial position of Barrow Rugby Football Club is strong, with the latest accounts filed at Companies House showing net assets over £800k, which will likely increase with a more up-to-date ground valuation.
The club is committed to transparency and, with this in mind, will be hosting a Q&A session very early in the New Year and will be setting the date for our AGM.
The club’s sponsors’ evening will be held in the MKM Marquee on Friday 16th January, with opportunities for sponsorship to suit every budget and a chance to sponsor a player.
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