Funky Monkey Playcentres Ltd, the operator of Airtastic and Funky Monkey indoor entertainment centres, has reported pre-tax profit of £1.5m for 2024, as revenue rose 21 percent to £16.5m.

Funky Monkey Playcentres Ltd, the County Down company which operates Airtastic and Funky Monkey indoor entertainment centres, has reported pre-tax profit for 2024 rose 4 percent to £1.56m, as revenue increased 21 percent to £16.5m.

The company’s financial performance was boosted following the acquisition of Lisburn Bowl in March 2023, which added £2.85m to turnover, and helped mitigate £5.2m in staff costs thanks to a substantial rise in employee numbers.

“The company has heavily invested in the growing Airtastic indoor trampoline business, which is aimed at older children and adults,” reported The Irish News. “Launched in Bangor in 2016, the indoor leisure group has added Airtastic sites in Craigavon, Newtownabbey, Cork and Kildare over the past decade.”

“The Airtastic portfolio grew to six sites in March 2023 with the acquisition of Lisburn Bowl.”

The company has also expanded its indoor offering, introducing laser tag and bowling to its Airtastic sites.”

The accounts, made up to 31 May 2024, shows gross profit rose from £11.6m in 2023 to £13.3m last year, however an increase in employees from 393 to 428 meant an 18 percent in wage, social security and pension costs.

“The group’s headcount has continued to grow in the current year, boosted by a £1.2m investment in Airtastic’s flagship Bangor centre,” added Irish News.

“The latest expansion, completed last month, has added 12 bowling lanes, a laser tag arena and a new amusement arcade. The centre had been closed since last November to facilitate the major refit.”