A Chorley savoury snack food business is tasting greater levels of success thanks to Lancashire County Council's Rosebud Finance.
Apple Sales & Marketing Limited, based at Ash Farm Barn, Bluestone Lane, Mawdesley, develops and supplies savoury snack food products for supermarket own brand labels.
Company Director Geoff Marsden said: "I have gained many years experience of establishing very successful snack food businesses and developing these to become respected and recognised in the marketplace.
"I set – up Apple Sales & Marketing a few years ago and again concentrated on developing a savoury snack food range. As the demand for the products is very strong I wanted to establish a new production and distribution part to the business and to introduce two brand new innovative and healthy product lines and I am now ready to launch the first of these.
"Rosebud Finance came at a crucial time helping me to fund my new ventures."
Lancashire County Councillor Keith Iddon, whose economic development department, Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL), run Rosebud Finance, recently visited the business. Councillor Iddon said: "I am the County Councillor for this area and it is pleasing to see Lancashire County Council, through Rosebud Finance, being able to help a business to develop in this part of central Lancashire.
"Geoff has a very impressive track record already for this type of business. His knowledge and experience of the sector, networks and reputation within the industry are second to none and combine this with his obvious entrepreneurship and acumen and I look forward to seeing his plans succeed.
"I am also delighted to learn that Geoff hopes to create five new positions at his business very soon at such a difficult economic time with many more positions planned for the future."
Rosebud Finance is currently supporting over 120 businesses and over the last four years has enabled over £20 million to be invested in Lancashire firms. Rosebud is owned by the people of Lancashire, and any profits and income made is re-invested providing further investment opportunities for new clients.
Rosebud is versatile, with loans and equity funding available for any amount over £5,000 up to £750,000– no business is too large or too small to qualify.
Proposals are considered on their individual merits and all types of business investment are eligible for consideration. Rosebud Finance is only available to businesses either already based in Lancashire or those relocating to the county.
Loan rates are competitive, and the arrangement fee is set at 2.5% of the total investment. A Rosebud loan is usually over a term of two to five years and in certain circumstances capital repayment holidays can be arranged.
Rosebud offers more than just finance, clients benefit from professional advice and help through LCDL’s team of Mentors, Non-Executive Directors and other professionals including business support agencies. Linking this to LCDL’s expertise in the commercial property market and business incubation capacity could make talking to us worthwhile.
Lancashire County Council recently launched a new micro-finance product called KickStart to help entrepreneurs achieve their aims by enabling their ideas to grow. In addition to finance this project offers support and encouragement to ensure that every client has the best opportunity possible to achieve their business potential. This micro finance helps new entrepreneurs who only need up to £5,000 to start or grow.
Recognising that many businesses are operating in difficult economic circumstances, Lancashire County Council is also working with partners such as the Chambers of Commerce and Business Link to support business and offer help and advice to get through the recession.
Various County Council departments and both district and regional partners are working closely to develop a joint response to the economic downturn.
The County Council wants to see the Lancashire economy grow stronger and provides a range of practical support measures to help business. Early examples of this activity include free Chamber of Commerce membership for our Rosebud Finance and Micro – Finance investees along with expansion in our loan capacity and also grant / loan packages for rural businesses and renewable energy technologies.
To find out more about Rosebud Finance call (01772) 536652 or visit LCDL’s website at www.lcdl.co.uk.
To find out how we may be able to help your business call LCDL on (01772) 536600 or visit the website at www.lcdl.co.uk.
For the latest information on business support and advice for surviving the credit crunch call Lancashire County Council's helpline on 0845 053 0000.
To contact Apple Sales & Marketing call (01704) 821610 or 07712 085533, fax (01704) 821033 or email g.marsden@uk-apple.com.
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