Lancashire leaders commit to unlocking ambition through collaboration | Lancashire County Council News

On December 4th, more than 70 leaders from local government, businesses, and key stakeholders gathered at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Lancashire. They united to focus on a common goal: to harness collaboration for driving ambition, growth, and investment in the region.

The gathering, organized by Rosebud, which is part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, aimed to motivate attendees to take action. Participants were urged to work together to foster a setting where businesses can flourish. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between various sectors, demonstrating how partnerships between public and private entities, along with strengthened networks, can lead to significant advancements and benefit both businesses and the community in the long run.

Being one of the initial large events following the government's announcement of Lancashire’s devolution agreement, it highlighted the importance of working together to drive economic development, assist local businesses, and achieve the region's ambitious objectives.

The head of Lancashire County Council, Councillor Phillippa Williamson, kicked off the event by saying, “This devolution agreement allows us to unite our voice, and it’s time to take action and make it happen.”

Councillor Aidy Riggott, who is responsible for Economic Development Growth, shared similar thoughts as he talked about the county's growth strategies. He stressed the importance of working together and pointed out the significant contributions of programs such as the Lancashire Business Board, the Early-Stage Investment Board, and the Business Growth Service in fostering the local economy.

Delegates also received insights from Lancashire's business support, finance, and funding sectors. They learned about Rosebud, which provides loans ranging from £25 to £100,000 for local businesses, as well as Access to Finance and fhunded, highlighting the promising investment opportunities available to enterprises.

For more than 35 years, Rosebud has been a key player in the local business community. In their presentations, entrepreneurs James Cole from Panache Cruises and Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping Company both pointed out how essential Rosebud has been to their success. They urged everyone present to share this message with others.

The event signified a fresh start in the fund’s enduring history, as Rosebud shifts its attention back to startups and expanding companies. This aim is to stimulate economic development, get businesses ready for investment, and create new opportunities.

Participants seized the chance to network, share thoughts, and discover collaboration opportunities within Lancashire's lively business and investment environment, all amidst the stunning natural scenery of Brockholes.

Looking back on how well the event went, Councillor Aidy Riggott stated:

"This event showcased what sets Lancashire apart and highlighted the potential and ambition that can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate. The positive effects that Rosebud has had on the businesses it has assisted were clearly visible throughout the afternoon."

There are numerous thrilling possibilities for business expansion in Lancashire. Our robust Business Support Service is in place, and new prospects are emerging with the introduction of the National Cyber Force, alongside strategic initiatives like Lancashire Central and the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.

"A new Business Board has been formed, featuring leaders from various industries, to enhance the role of the private sector in developing local growth strategies. It aims to gather extensive input from small businesses via existing networks."

Martin Emmott, the manager of the Rosebud Fund, stated:

It was wonderful to witness such a large turnout of people coming together in a spirit of teamwork.

Rosebud is available to assist businesses in Lancashire in reaching their full potential by offering loans from £25,000 to £100,000, along with strategic guidance throughout the process.

"We're aware that there are numerous other companies similar to Panache Cruises, The Secret Garden Glamping Company, and our other thriving investments, and we're eager to connect with them."

From left to right, there are Martin Emmott, Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Councillor Aidy Riggott, and Amin Vepari.

Among the notable speakers at the event were Simon Lawrence, the Growth and Regeneration Director at Lancashire County Council; Professor Miranda Barker OBE DL, the Chief Executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce; Nikki Whittle, a Partner at Brabners; Ann Jordan Dean MBE DL, who chairs the Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership; former Lancashire High Sheriff David Taylor CBE DL; and Amin Vepari, who leads Business and Financial Scale-up initiatives at Lancashire County Council.

The discussions centered around several key areas, such as ways to open up more opportunities for women and diverse entrepreneurs, methods to inspire ambition, and the need for Lancashire to promote its strengths more effectively. Additionally, there was an emphasis on the involvement of other funding sources, like the Northern Powerhouse Investment fund.

After this event, there will be more gatherings where Lancashire County Council will present its goals, strategies, and major initiatives to promote economic growth. They will collaborate with Lancashire Business View for The Festival of Business on January 30 and will also host the Convention of the North on February 27 and 28.

To learn more about Rosebud, check out their website at www.rosebudfinance.co.uk