A THRIVING independent business has become the biggest Airsoft store in the UK after a successful move.

BUA HQ, or Bomb Up Airsoft, recently opened its new shop at Penketh Business Park having been based in Warrington for the past six years.

The move into Unit 3C means the firm is now the biggest Airsoft store in the UK.

Airsoft is similar to paintball in that teams of people shoot small projectiles at each other for fun and sport.

Where the activities differ however is through Airsoft being much more focussed towards military simulation, involving realistic imitation firearms and realistic military gear.

BUA HQ’s new Penketh home has a four-lane shooting range with electronic target systems that can be hired for private use.

It also runs a shooting club on Tuesday nights from 6.30pm to 10pm and a game site where people can play Airsoft in Rixton called PTC Airsoft Warrington.

The business was set up by Matt Allen following the loss of his brother to cystic fibrosis, which inspired him to do something different with his life.

BUA HQ has moved to a new premises at Penketh Business Park

BUA HQ has moved to a new premises at Penketh Business Park

He wanted to do something he would enjoy and had a passion for Airsoft, so decided he would like to build something around that.

Now, the business is a joint venture owned by Matt and his wife Laura, along with their closest friends Scott and Sophie.

It has always been an independent business, and all of the owners are from various areas of Warrington.

Speaking about BUA HQ, Laura said: “The business is doing really well, and we found we were running out of space for the level of expansion we wanted to achieve.

“Airsoft is an evolution of paintball and is definitely on the up in the UK. The rest of the world is way ahead of us when it comes to Airsoft.

“The move has been a lot of work, but it has gone brilliantly so far. We have seen a huge increase in customer numbers and are enjoying seeing all the new faces.”

The new store is open six days a week and is only closed on Sundays, with late night opening hours on Tuesdays until 10pm.

For more information, visit bombupairsoft.co.uk