Investment readies Blue Wren for growth

A newly-secured £50,000 investment will help Preston-based Blue Wren create new jobs and double its turnover to £2m within three years.

Blue Wren builds software and mobile applications designed to improve business productivity. It is run by managing director Michael Lough and technical director Phil Hodson, employing 18 people in their Preston offices.

The new funding will enable them to create three new jobs across technical support, project management and business development; as well as investing in marketing for two SaaS (Software as a Service) products the company is developing.

£25k of the investment was facilitated by NPIF - BFS & MSIF Microfinance – a product fund managed by GC Business Finance in partnership with MSIF and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). A further £25k was delivered by Lancashire’s Rosebud Microfinance.

Michael Lough said: “For many growing businesses it is often the inefficiency of their systems that is holding them back. If used effectively, digital technology can streamline operations and stimulate productivity. It is our goal at Blue Wren to deliver software solutions that do just that, and help our clients fulfill their growth potential.

“Thanks to this loan we can invest in our team and bring a range of new products to market that will enable us to reach even more organisations and create lasting positive change.”

Mark Gibbons, senior loan manager at GCBF, said: “When they came to us for the loan Michael and his team at Blue Wren already had an impressive portfolio of products and clients across the SME market. By helping them to access the finance they need to grow we are investing in a great business that is creating jobs and developing world class solutions to support other small businesses.”