Working on Business Growth and Heritage
Working on Business Growth and Heritage
1. The Hook – More Than Just a Playground When we think of a playground manufacturer, the image that usually comes to mind is one of primary colours, slides, and school recess. However, at ESP Play, the business of play is far more complex and strategically significant than it appears. Beyond welding steel and installing […]
Green Scenery, a South Ribble based grounds maintenance and landscaping business, has secured a £100,000 investment from NPIF II – River Capital & GC Business Finance Smaller Loans, following support and introduction from Growth Lancashire’s Gill Nolan and Debbie Chinn. Debbie introduced them to mentor James Wignall – a procurement specialist who supported them as […]
1. The Hook – From Retirement to Rapid Growth Scaling a business is rarely a linear trajectory; it is more often a “rocky road” paved with hard-won transitions. For Mike, a co-founder who had already retired once before returning to launch a care business with his daughter, Emily, the journey has been a masterclass in […]
Growth Lancashire created a comprehensive suite of conservation area appraisals and management plans for Wyre Council. The team demonstrated a distinct understanding of the need for clear, concise and well-structured appraisals that serve both the local community and planning officers. By distilling the defining characteristics of each of the six conservation area into a straightforward, […]
Background Jamie Evans, a chef with over 20 years of experience, transitioned from running a small restaurant to owning a pub in his hometown of Darwen. His vision was to create a premium pub experience that served as an asset to the local community, offering more than just food and drink. Challenge Traditional pubs face […]
Background Lollipops is a retail business founded by Amy and her partner, operating two branches in Bamber Bridge and Penwortham. The first branch opened in 2021, immediately after COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. Launching during such an uncertain economic climate was a bold move, but the business has grown steadily over nearly five years. Challenges […]
Background RRC Autobodies is a well-loved local car body repair business based in Burnley, providing quality repair, paint and rebuild services to the community. As the automotive industry evolves — particularly with the growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs) — the team wanted to explore new opportunities for growth and future-proofing the business. Initial Engagement […]
Carmen, a 26-year-old mother, found her greatest inspiration in her son, who was born 11 weeks prematurely. This life-changing experience instilled in her a deep sense of strength, patience, and the importance of self-care — values that now form the foundation of her new business venture. With nearly nine years of experience in the beauty […]
Sure Treats, created by Darwen-based entrepreneur Stuart Rees, is a small business built on community, curiosity and the joy of discovering something unexpected. But while the idea was fuelled by passion, turning it into a sustainable business came with challenges. Like many first-time founders, Stuart found that enthusiasm only gets you so far. From writing […]
In 1995, the air in a quiet terraced house in Blackburn, Lancashire, smelled of spices and pastry. There was no gleaming stainless steel, no automated conveyor belts, and no logistics department. Instead, there was a husband, a wife, and a single, hand-operated machine. This is where Jasats began—not with a venture capital injection, but with […]
