A new family-run events business in Scunthorpe is expanding its offering after receiving support from UKSE’s Kickstart Grant.

Epic Occasions, which began trading in June 2026, provides bell tent experiences and pamper parties for families across North Lincolnshire and surrounding areas, with plans to expand into weddings and larger events.

Founded by business owner Grace Keresztury, the venture was launched after she completed her master’s degree, following an earlier Business Management degree at University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL) in 2023.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, primarily in operations, and more recent experience in HR, she is now bringing together her professional experience and business education to build a new venture focused on creating memorable experiences for families.

Epic Occasions currently serves customers across North Lincolnshire, Doncaster, Lincoln and Hull, generally within around a 50-minute radius of Scunthorpe.

To support the launch of the business, Grace applied for the UKSE Kickstart grant – a local investment company that provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing companies, as well as providing support for start-ups – which has enabled the business to purchase a new premium bell tent, increasing its capacity to provide more bell tent experiences to families in the local area.

The business has also recently expanded beyond its original bell tent offering to introduce pamper party packages.

Looking ahead, the business plans to continue developing its bell tent experiences while expanding into weddings at local venues and larger events. Future plans include introducing high-spec soft play and teepee sleepovers for children, alongside developing relationships with local venues to support families planning larger celebrations.

Grace Keresztury, owner of Epic Occasions, said: “The support from UKSE has allowed us to invest in a new premium bell tent, giving us the capacity to offer more experiences to families across our local area.

“Epic Occasions is all about creating memorable experiences, and we’re excited to continue growing the business and bringing our family-run approach to more special occasions.”

She added: “We’re really proud of what we’re building and are excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly as we look towards weddings and larger events in the future.”

Pete Newton, Regional Executive at UKSE, said: “Epic Occasions is a great example of a new local business turning an idea into an exciting opportunity for growth.

“We’re pleased that our Kickstart Grant has helped the business invest in equipment that will directly increase its capacity, and we look forward to seeing how the business develops across the region.”

Brian Smith, Business Advisor at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It has been a pleasure supporting Grace as she develops Epic Occasions and helping her to access the £500 UKSE Kickstart Grant.

“New businesses like this make an important contribution to the local economy, and we look forward to seeing how the business develops.”

UKSE provides loans and equity finance of up to £1.5m to existing growing businesses, particularly those creating jobs – for further information, please contact the team on 0114 2700 933.