Further information
If you would like more information about any of our services, please contact us.
Applying
Applying for a Rosebud loan is easy, just download and complete an application form.
Rosebud
Rosebud was established in 1986 and is provided
by Lancashire County Developments Ltd, the County
Council’s economic development company. Rosebud
has helped more than 300 businesses, investing over £25 million in Lancashire-based companies from
small start-ups to large quoted operations.
Rosebud is owned by the people of Lancashire, and any profits and income made by the fund are recycled, providing further investment opportunities for new clients.
Rosebud is versatile, loans and equity funding is available for sums from £5,000 upwards - no business is too small or too large to qualify. Proposals are considered on their individual merits and all types of business investment are eligible for consideration. Finance is only available for companies either already based in Lancashire or those re-locating to the county.
Rosebud rates are competitive with repayment usually over a term of up to five years.
The best thing is that rosebud offers more than just finance - rosebud clients benefit from professional advice and help through our relationships with local support agencies.
Tourism
Successful applicants for a Tourism Rosebud Loan will receive two years free membership of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and all the benefits associated with membership.
This includes reduced fees for credit card transactions and insurances, attendance at networking and business advice events and marketing opportunities.
To be eligible for the free membership the applying business needs to demonstrate growth in the following fields:
- staff training and development;
- technology to improve performance
- providing access to public transport link (such as hotel mini buses to transport guests to airports, events or transport hubs);
- a national accredited scheme, run by Visit Britain, for accommodations, attractions or food;
- improved disabled facilities.
Digital
Digital Rosebud is aimed at supporting and advising companies working in creative industries. To be eligible they will need to have subscribed to Creative Lancashire's website, www.creativelancashire.org and completed a creative company profile.
Creative Lancashire's team will be able to help businesses wishing to apply on how to complete the profile. The profile will also provide specific business analysis to guide the Rosebud application process.
After six months a Creative Lancashire development officer will visit the business to measure the impact of the loan on turnover, profit and job creation to discuss which of the rewards available would be most beneficial to the company.
Successful businesses will receive £1,000 worth of specialist professional advice in one of the following areas:
- an intellectual property lawyer;
- a consultant for research purposes;
- a financial advisor/accountant.
Or equipment or software, such as a digital camera or software central to the business' needs.
Some of our Lancashire success stories...
Preston Tyre Specialists Ltd
Bamber Bridge is set for the fast lane now that new business, Preston Tyre Specialists Limited, has geared up ready for the open road.
The business, a commercial tyre specialist, based on Charnley Fold Industrial Estate, provides vehicle fleet maintenance, a tyre repair and fitting service and 24 hour rescue recovery.
The business directors, Duncan Higham and Michael Freakley, previously held senior positions in the commercial and retail tyre industry before deciding to combine their joint professional experience and specialist knowledge with their determination and know-how, to take the big step of racing ahead to set up their own business.
Clown Around, Eccleston
Rosebud is helping a children's activity centre fund the bear necessities for its new project. Clown Around, based at Eccleston, a children activity centre that offers parties and fun day out as well as a playbus mobile activity centre. The company, owned by Debbie Scott, is now adding a new stream of fun with its Bear Hut.
The Bear Hut is an American concept where a child chooses a bear skin which is stuffed on site and given to the child who can choose to have a birth certificate and an outfit for their new cuddly best friend.
Clown Around was started by Debbie four years ago and has proved so successful that it now employs 18 staff. The company provides a safe area for children to play in which has the advantage of letting parents be able to walk around the entire facility to watch their children.
In addition to the main site the company also offers a playbus which can go to any event to entertain children.
The Engine Rooms
Skelmersdale is throbbing to a new beat now that arts centre, The Engine Rooms, has opened its doors thanks to Rosebud Finance.
The centre is a dream come true for recording engineer James Furnell and musician James Hoy who have turned the disused warehouse into a creative haven. The centre features a recording studio, Westgate Studios Limited, a café and art exhibitions.
The owners met through their musical interests and have used their extensive industry knowledge to create The Engine Rooms. Both of them have toured Europe and the UK with James Hoy in a jazz group and the Lancashire Students' Jazz Orchestra whilst James Furnell has recorded two albums.