A North Wales entrepreneur has launched a new mobile airsoft shooting experience designed for festivals and outdoor events.
Ben Strange, founder of Within Range Airsoft, created the business with support from Business Wales after spotting a gap in the market. With more than a decade of airsoft experience and a passion for the festival scene, he identified the potential for next-generation mobile installations offering a modern alternative to traditional fairground shooting games.
Ben told the North Wales Pioneer: “I kept seeing the same kind of experiences at each event I attended. If people enjoy axe throwing and shooting pellet guns at ducks, they’ll be blown away by airsoft.”
Strange worked with Business Wales adviser Hadi Brooks to shape the concept into a commercially viable launch. With guidance on finance, marketing and sustainability, he secured a £20,000 Start Up Loan through the British Business Bank and invested an additional £10,000 of his own funds. The investment enabled him to purchase a van, military-grade netting, gazebos and safety equipment.
The result is Within Range Airsoft, a self-contained 3m x 9m range featuring AttackSense electronic targets. The system allows participants to compete in reflex and accuracy challenges in a controlled, mess-free environment.
“Turning my passion into a business was a big leap,” Ben said. “Everyone dreams of turning their hobby into a career, but the reality is daunting. Hadi’s support made the process achievable.”
The mobile range will appear at festivals across the UK this summer. Strange is already considering expansion plans, including a permanent facility in North Wales and job creation opportunities. The business has also signed the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge, committing to use biodegradable BBs and a catchment system to minimise environmental impact.
Hadi added: “Ben came with a strong idea, a clear vision and a real passion for building a business that offered something fresh and interesting. He worked hard to build a venture with both commercial and environmental integrity.”