Crop technology firm plans global expansion with new funding boost

By Tim Aldred

22 Aug 2023

Engage Crop Solutions

A Chorley-based business which specialises in crop-enhancement technology is to develop new products and expand its global footprint after securing a new six-figure loan.

Engage Crop Solutions specialises in developing products that facilitate plant growth. Founded in 2012 by Mark Horner, Andy Aspinall, Mike Panteli and Peter Blezard, the company has earned its place a leading player in the horticulture and agriculture industries. 

In recent years, Engage has broadened its horizons and started addressing wider industry challenges. One of Engage’s key technologies is Aqualatus, a groundbreaking water-saving solution. With agriculture accounting for 70 per cent of natural water usage, preserving this valuable resource is crucial. Aqualatus allows growers to use up to 50 per cent less water, while still maintaining plant health and crop yields. 

Engage currently has a global presence, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, countries that are investing heavily in creating modern cities. Engage’s technology offers a sustainable approach to watering plants in urban landscapes.

In some countries, trials have been conducted on landscapes and football pitches, while in Egypt, the focus has been on integrating the technology into agricultural crops to address limited water availability in inland areas. Engage is also targeting Latin American markets, including Costa Rica, Mexico and Chile.

The loan has been provided by Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Finance, managed by GC Business Finance and will be used to support the company's ambitious plans for growth, including geographical expansion, marketing initiatives and new product development. 

As part of its growth strategy, Engage has been closely collaborating with the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), which has supported connections in the Middle East, particularly through trade exhibitions. 

Mike Pantelli, founder and director at Engage Crop Solutions, said: "Our product is at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture industry. We are transforming horticulture across the world, and are incredibly proud of our Lancashire roots. Once we were introduced to Rosebud, the help and support we received was enormous. This funding will enable us to accelerate our expansion plans, increasing our reach, and ultimately having a positive impact on the industry.” 

Jonathan Nelson, fund manager at Rosebud Finance, said: "Engage’s innovation, ambition and commitment to sustainable practices made them the ideal recipient for funding from Rosebud. The team demonstrated real dedication to solving industry-wide challenges, and are a business that Lancashire can be truly proud of. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and positive impact in the agricultural sector.” 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin