Rosebud helps business bloom!

A new guest house has expanded in South Ribble thanks to Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Finance.
Oaklands Guest House is located on Park Lane at Mellor Brook, Samlesbury and has three double en-suite rooms furnished to a high standard.

Owner David Alderson said: "Rosebud Finance enabled us to seize a business opportunity to develop our home into a guest house. I knew our property would be ideal for this as it was in a rural area with good access to other parts of Lancashire and surroundings. This proved to be correct as bookings were good so we decided that the time was right to expand. Rosebud Finance came at a crucial time for this.
"The comfort and service provided for guests is our highest priority. Our aim is to make visitors feel that this is a home from home. Our motto is where your time….is your time and I hope this is how visitors are made to feel."

Lancashire County Councillor Tom Sharratt, whose economic development department, Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL), run Rosebud Finance, recently visited the business. Councillor Sharratt said: "I am the County Councillor representing this area and applaud the opening of Oaklands. Tourism is of vital importance to the Lancashire economy and this adds to our overall offer in a picturesque and rural part of South Ribble.
"I live in this area myself and am delighted that visitors can experience its appeal for themselves."

Lesley Lloyd, Chair of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said: "The quality of accommodation in Lancashire and Blackpool is of utmost importance to the tourist board and having worked hard to attain 4 star rating as well as a coveted Silver Award, it’s clear that David also shares this view.
"Oaklands Guest House is well located and with rooms that include modern touches such as Wi-Fi access, it will appeal to business visitors as well as tourists to the area.
"Before applying for Rosebud assistance, Oaklands Guest House received a free advisory visit and grant offered towards the cost of obtaining a national tourism accommodation quality rating through Lancashire County Council’s Tourism Quality Initiative which is run in partnership with Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.
"David then applied for a certain type of Rosebud Finance loan which was developed specifically for tourism businesses. Because of this he will receive two year’s free membership of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board with access to an array of useful benefits."

The award winning 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.

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

Oaklands Guest House telephone / fax (01254) 814270 www.oaklandsguesthouseonline.co.uk

Picture shows: Lancashire County Cllr Tom Sharratt, Lesley Llloyd Chair of LBTB and David Alderson