Lancaster sustainability firm sees four-fold growth and targets international market after Rosebud loan

A Lancashire organisation which helps companies to improve their sustainability is targeting US expansion after experiencing a four-fold increase in turnover with the support of a business loan from Rosebud. 

TBL Services, based at Lancaster University, has also increased its headcount from two to 11 since receiving the loan in early 2020.

The consultancy was established in 2017 and is led by Colin Curtis, formerly head of sustainability at a multinational firm. TBL advises organisations how to improve their sustainability, particularly through their support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Colin was introduced to Rosebud through Lancashire’s Access to Finance service and TBL received £50,000 to help the company recruit new staff members to support Colin’s ambitions to expand.

He said: “Our aim is not about generating profits, it’s about increasing employment. We want to launch more services and we’re looking at additional expansion into the US. We are going to do that by working in partnership with customers and their suppliers.” 

Rosebud is owned by Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lancashire County Council. It aims to support the growth of Lancashire businesses and the local economy, offering loans between £10,000 and £300,000 as well as high-quality business support.

Since receiving the loan, TBL has increased its employees to 11 and is continuing to grow its client base. The company has worked with well-known national companies including Skipton Building Society and Peel Land and Property.

Its turnover has grown from £77,000 in 2019 to £337,000 and the company expects to turn over £500,000 this year.

“We grew throughout the pandemic and we are continuing growing nicely, the loan from Rosebud has contributed to that,” added Colin. “We have worked with all sizes of business from small companies to multinational organisations. We are also B-Corp accredited.”

County councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change, Lancashire County Council, said: “More and more companies of all sizes are assessing their impact on the environment and also on society so TBL will continue to see demand for its services grow over the coming years. 

“Lancashire County Council’s support for TBL will not only help it to grow, increasing local employment and wealth, but also help organisations across the world to improve their positive contribution to the planet. That is something I’m very proud of.”

Jonathan Nelson, senior loan manager, Rosebud, said: “TBL is seeing strong growth while making a positive difference to the planet and Rosebud is pleased to contribute to its expansion.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to support Colin and TBL as the company increases the scope of its services globally in the coming years.”

Rosebud is delivered by GC Business Finance. Businesses in Lancashire’s 12 local authority areas are eligible for the funding: Burnley; Chorley; Fylde; Hyndburn; Lancaster; Pendle; Preston; Ribble Valley; Rossendale; South Ribble; West Lancashire; Wyre.