Engage Crop Solutions accelerates global growth to tackle the world’s water challenges with support from Rosebud
Chorley-based Engage Crop Solutions is further expanding its global presence to address some of the most urgent challenges in farming, with plans to double its sales again by 2025.
The business, founded in 2012 by Mark Horner, Mike Panteli and Peter Blezard, specialises in developing innovative technologies to support farmers and growers in meeting the challenges of climate change, water scarcity and increased food demand.
Its ground-breaking water-saving technology, Aqualatus, is transforming water management in agriculture by reducing water usage by up to 50% while optimising soil health and crop nutrition.
To support the expansion of the Aqualatus technology into water-stressed regions across the world, the Engage Crop Solutions team secured a six-figure loan from Rosebud in March 2023.
Leveraging the Rosebud loan allowed for increased international travel, field trials and research resulting in the business quickly expanding its international presence to an impressive 26 countries in just over an 18-month period.
The impact has meant that collectively, during 2024, its customers have been able to save 52.7 billion liters of water, equating to an estimated £44 billion in cost savings.
Engage Crop Solutions significantly increase its sales of Aqualatus in 2024 and plans to do so again in 2025, with further expansion into the Middle East, North and South Africa and Central America markets.
Rosebud is designed to support ambitious and growing businesses in Lancashire. It offers flexible funding options from £25,000 to £100,000 and support that empowers businesses to innovate, expand and thrive. Its focus is on nurturing companies that positively impact the local economy while pushing the boundaries in their respective industries.
Looking forward, Engage Crop Solutions is poised to continue its rapid development, working with distributors and large food groups to ensure its technologies reach the markets that need them most. They are also exploring new investment opportunities to further accelerate their growth.
Mike Panteli, Founder and Director at Engage Crop Solutions said:
“Thanks to Rosebud, we’ve been able to scale our operations globally much faster than we could have on our own. It’s enabled us to market Aqualatus internationally, conduct essential field trials to prove its value and quickly address the growing and urgent need for sustainable water-saving solutions,”
“With the need to conserve water becoming a vital global priority, Aqualatus has become indispensable to farmers and distributors who are meeting the food demands of increasing populations across the world. The Rosebud funding, and support the team offers, alongside the help from bodies like the Department for Trade has been instrumental in creating opportunities for growth.”
“I would recommend Rosebud to any business looking to grow and scale. The team is approachable and flexible, and the offer is far more cost-effective than a high-street bank or other loan companies, especially for SMEs. Plus, they are supporting the development of the Lancashire economy, which is a great thing.”
Martin Emmott, Fund Manager at Rosebud said:
“We are delighted that Rosebud has been a catalyst for Engage Crop Solutions to expand its incredible water saving innovations to global markets.”
Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council said:
“Lancashire is home to a host of incredible businesses that are serving international communities while creating jobs right here in the county. Engage Crop Solutions is a fantastic company with a product that is solving a true global need. We wish them every success for the future.”
