Nomadic Watches is now trading at Imperial House, Donegall Square East following the support of a £0.5m loan from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland.
The loan, provided through fund manager Whiterock, will also enable it to invest in product development and additional stock.
Peter McAuley started the business in 2021, with sales growing to £447,000 in 2023 and reaching £1m in 2024.
Its watches reference the company’s roots in Belfast, with aspects of the city’s history incorporated in some models.
Peter McAuley, Nomadic Watches founder, with Whiterock finance director Jenna Mairs at the opening of the company’s new Belfast shop
News Catch Up – June 30th 2025
Mr McAuley said: “We are delighted to secure the loan from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland.
“Working with Whiterock has been really refreshing, as they always wanted to find ways to help us. We found their approach different to working with traditional high street banks.
“The loan has helped us expand into our new premises right in the centre of Belfast.
“As a company we want to be engrained in the fabric of the city so having a new outlet right beside City Hall is the perfect location for Nomadic Watches.
“We have lots of exciting plans for the shop. It won’t just be a place to come and buy a watch, but instead we want to make it an immersive experience or ‘retailtainment’ where you can see your watch being made in front of your eyes.”
Jenna Mairs, Whiterock finance director, said: “Nomadic has established a strong niche in the luxury watch sector and developed an impressive loyalty in its customer base.
“In fact, around 25% of Nomadic customers go on to make a second purchase within three months, which speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of the product.
“At Whiterock we recognised the company’s potential and saw how the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland could help support the ongoing growth journey.
“We were delighted to play a role by providing funding for Nomadic and we look forward to seeing what is next for this dynamic and ambitious watchmaker.”
Nomadic Watches founder Peter McAuley
Mark Sterritt, British Business Bank director, said: “The product is resonating with customers all over the world and with the introduction of a new offering of creating custom watches for businesses and organisations, it is clear the Nomadic team has ambitious plans for the future.
“I’m delighted the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland has been able to support the firm’s growth plans – helping innovative and ambitious companies like this is exactly what the fund was designed for.
The £70m Investment Fund for Northern Ireland offers commercial finance including debt finance and equity investment.
Whiterock manages the debt fund, offering loans up to £2m while Clarendon Fund Managers provide equity stakes in smaller businesses up to £5m.