Rosebud event sees leaders commit to unlocking ambition through collaboration

By Rob Kelly

11 Dec 2024

Rosebud event with Lancashire Leaders

More than 70 local government and business leaders, innovators and key stakeholders from across Lancashire embraced a vision to unlock ambition, growth and investment through the power of collaboration.

 The event took place at Brockholes Nature Reserve on December 4 and was hosted by Rosebud, part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service.

It served as an inspiring call to action and delegates were encouraged to collaborate to create an environment where businesses can thrive.

It showcased how cross-sector public private partnerships and enhanced networks drive progress and create lasting value for both businesses and the community.

As one of the first major gatherings since the announcement of Lancashire’s devolution deal by the new government, it underscored the collective action needed to propel economic growth, support businesses and meet the region’s ambitious goals.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council said: “This devolution deal enables us to speak with one voice, and now is the time to deliver through action.”

Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development growth, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of collaboration as he discussed the county’s growth plans and highlighted the key functions of initiatives like the Lancashire Business Board, the Early-Stage Investment Board and the Business Growth Service in developing the region’s economy. 

 Delegates also heard from the Lancashire’s business support, finance and funding community, including Rosebud – which offers loans from £25 to £100k to Lancashire businesses – Access to Finance and fhunded, about the exciting investment prospects for businesses.

For over 35 years, Rosebud has played a pivotal role in the region’s business ecosystem.

During their time on stage, entrepreneurs James Cole of Panache Cruises and Derry Green of The Secret Garden Glamping Company both highlighted Rosebud as being central to their growth journeys and encouraged those in the room to spread the word.

 The event marked a new chapter in the fund’s long-standing legacy, as Rosebud renews its focus on early-stage and growing businesses, to drive economic growth, prepare businesses for investment and unlock opportunities.

 Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and explore partnerships within Lancashire’s vibrant business and investment ecosystem, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of Brockholes.

 Reflecting on the event’s success, Councillor Aidy Riggott said: “This event represented what makes Lancashire special and emphasised the power and aspiration that can be unlocked when the private and public sector work together. The impact that Rosebud has had on the businesses it has supported was evidentially clear throughout the afternoon.

 “They are many exciting opportunities for business growth in Lancashire.

"We have a strong Business Support Service, and new opportunities with the arrival of the National Cyber Force and the strategic development of projects like Lancashire Central and the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.

"A new Business Board, comprised of industry leaders, has also been introduced to facilitate private sector involvement in shaping local growth plans and encouraging widespread feedback from small businesses through established networks.”

 Martin Emmott, Rosebud fund manager added: “It was fantastic to see so many people join us in the spirit of collaboration.

"Rosebud is here both to help Lancashire businesses achieve their potential with loans ranging from £25,000 to £100,000 and strategic support at every step.

"We know there are more businesses like Panache Cruises, The Secret Garden Glamping Company and our other successful investees out there, and we want to meet them.”

 Other prominent speakers at the event were: Simon Lawrence, director of growth and regeneration, at Lancashire County Council; Prof Miranda Barker OBE DL, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce; Nikki Whittle, partner at Brabners; Ann Jordan Dean MBE DL; chair of the Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership; Former Lancashire High Sheriff, David Taylor CBE DL and Amin Vepari, business and financial scale-up lead at Lancashire County Council.

The panels focused on topics including how to create opportunities for more female and diverse founders, how to encourage aspiration and for Lancashire to shout louder about its capabilities and the role of other funders such as the Northern Powerhouse Investment fund.

 This event will be followed by further events where Lancashire County Council will share its vision, plans and key developments on driving economic growth.

It will work with Lancashire Business View on The Festival of Business on 30 January and will be hosting the Convention of the North on 27 and 28 February.

Rosebud enables Lancashire’s most ambitious businesses to grow.  Its vision is to see Lancashire businesses and people fulfil their potential, driving the growth of Lancashire’s economy.  It provides the resources, tools and connections to help ambitious businesses to thrive. 

Rosebud offers a range of financial and growth support services. This includes hands-on support, expert guidance and tailor-made finance packages or co-investment opportunities for companies across Lancashire from a diverse range of sectors and industries, who are looking to grow and scale. 

 Eligible businesses – those who are operating as a limited company and based in one of the 12 Lancashire Country Council local authority areas – can borrow from £25k to £100k with interest rates up to 14 per cent, for up to five years

 For more information about Rosebud visit www.rosebudfinance.co.uk

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

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

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin