Rosebud helps company invest as it hits the export trail

Lancaster-based Mainstage, which produces staging for performance spaces, has secured a £75,000 loan from Lancashire County Council's Rosebud Finance to improve efficiency at its production plant.

The company was founded 25 years ago by former theatre set designer Mike Sweetland and now employs 14 people producing staging and seating for locations such as theatres, schools, places of worship and community centres.

Mainstage is upgrading its factory in Lancaster by investing in new tooling and creating a new office for its creative design team. The company recently expanded its team with three new appointments, and now plans to recruit an additional sales representative to boost its business across the country.

The Rosebud loan will help to part-fund the improvements and is the second time that Rosebud has supported this company in the past ten years.

Rosebud is a finance package supporting Lancashire firms to grow and expand their business. It is managed by Enterprise Ventures on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL) - Lancashire County Council's economic development company.

Paul Taberner of Enterprise Ventures said: “During its 25 years in business, Mainstage has gained a loyal customer base.

"Its high-quality products ensure there are no health and safety issues and its in-house design team tailor systems to suit the client’s exact specification. This funding will help it to improve efficiency as it seeks to expand its business into overseas markets.”

County Councillor Niki Penney, chair of LCDL, said: "Rosebud aims to create highly-skilled jobs across Lancashire by providing the necessary finance and support that companies need.

"As well as funding your growth ideas, Rosebud includes complimentary support and advice that's tailored to your business. We know that this is valued by companies, which is why companies like Mainstage choose to come back to Rosebud to once again support their growth ambitions."