AI use among small firms has nearly tripled in two years, according to Federation of Small Business (FSB) research. However, with 92 per cent still raising concerns, issues around data, copyright and liability need to be addressed. Unlocking wider AI adoption among small firms could add more than £4 billion to the UK economy each […]
Rosebud Finance, part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, has announced new impact results showing an impressive £20.4million GVA contribution to the local economy. Now in its 40th year, Rosebud has a strong track record of backing firms at key moments in their growth journey. Finance from Rosebud over the last 12 months has […]
“Rosebud provides the building blocks and those building blocks helped get us to where we are today.” That simple message from Phil Barnard, co founder of Adlington-based business DA Techs and Smart Techs, became the unofficial theme of Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud 40th anniversary celebration, held at The Flower Bowl, near Preston. Business founders, fund […]
The government is calling for additional reporting from close companies as it looks to reduce the small business tax gap. Under new proposals now under consultation, close companies will have to report details of transactions with participators to HMRC, including the amount, date and details of the recipient for each transaction. A close company is […]
Cybercrime affects more than 32 per cent of Lancashire businesses monthly – with the average cyber-attack costing the targeted company £15,300. Now Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, is backing a national government campaign to ‘lock the door’ on cyber criminals. The aim is to give companies practical advice to protect themselves against common threats. The […]
The growth of Lancashire’s scaleup sector has been described as one of the county’s real economic success stories over the past decade – with no signs of its momentum slowing. Figures show the county outperforming some big city economic powerhouses when it comes to scaleup businesses and the potential for further growth. Recent research has […]
Just over four in ten businesses have reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. That equates to around 612,000 UK businesses and 61,000 charities, according to official UK figures. Phishing attacks remain the most prevalent and disruptive type of breach or attack – experienced by 85 per cent of […]
Mark Gibbons is Funding and Partnership Manager at Rosebud, which is part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service. Rosebud provides growth support and business loans for growing businesses based in the county. Through its range of financial and growth support services Rosebud enables businesses across Lancashire to innovate, diversify and expand. Mark says: “There […]
The government has revived the landmark Pensions Commission to confront what it has labelled a ‘retirement crisis’. It says that without action tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s. Almost half of working-age adults are still saving nothing with low earners, some ethnic minorities and the self-employed least likely to be pension […]
Rosebud, part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, has announced a £1.5million funding pot available to lend to ambitious businesses in the 2025/26 financial year. Administered by Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL), the fund is designed to support high-potential businesses based in the county looking to scale, innovate and create high-quality jobs. Rosebud has […]
