Lancashire’s growth trajectory: What the latest Beauhurst report reveals about the region’s direction
Mark Gibbons, Funding & Partnerships Manager, Rosebud
The Lancashire 2025 Regional Report compiled by Beauhurst, provides a detailed analysis of the county’s business performance over the past year examining company growth, employment, investment, innovation and trade.
It presents a clear view of a region that continues to generate new businesses at pace, adding 2,051 net new companies in 2025, despite broader economic pressures. This level of activity demonstrates the endurance and entrepreneurial drive that Lancashire is known for.
Labour Market Momentum and Employment Growth
Lancashire’s labour market reflects a similar sense of momentum. Across the county, 1,777 businesses secured funding specifically for job creation, while 5,258 companies reported employee growth of 10 per cent or more, indicating both sectoral confidence and strong organisational ambition. Businesses are not simply surviving they are investing, expanding and preparing for longer‑term success despite increased employment costs.
Investment activity and Rosebud’s role in the funding landscape
One of the most striking findings in the report lies in its investment data, and it’s here that Rosebud’s impact becomes particularly clear. Lancashire attracted £93.9 million across 103 investments in 2025, supplemented by a further 66 unannounced investments that point to sustained private‑sector confidence. Among these funders, Rosebud Finance stands out as one of the most active, delivering investments totalling £825k, placing it alongside major national platforms like Crowdcube and Par Equity in supporting Lancashire’s business growth ecosystem. This reinforces Rosebud’s long‑standing mission to help Lancashire’s businesses “fulfil their potential” by providing the finance, tools and strategic connections needed to grow, diversify and thrive.
The region’s innovation performance further underlines Lancashire’s evolving strengths. In 2025, companies across the county secured £199 million in disclosed innovation grants, including ten significant awards over £100k, reflecting a deepening commitment to R&D and technological development. Rosebud’s model, combining tailored finance, hands‑on guidance and the potential for co‑investment, directly supports these innovation‑driven businesses, helping them prepare for investment, strengthen their strategy and access wider networks that accelerate growth.
Lancashire’s global reach and international trade performance
Lancashire’s international footprint adds yet another dimension of strength. With 3,891 companies engaged in importing and exporting, the county remains highly globally connected, leveraging international markets to drive resilience, competitiveness and long‑term value creation. As these businesses navigate complex growth pathways, whether scaling overseas, expanding production or breaking into new sectors, Rosebud remains a committed partner, offering finance and strategic support that align with the county’s ambitions.
A confident region with long‑term growth potential
Taken together, the report reveals a Lancashire that is confident, outward‑looking and rich with opportunity. For Rosebud, these findings are not just a measure of economic progress, they are a call to continue doing what we have done for almost 40years: providing financial backing, practical guidance and partnership‑led support to help Lancashire businesses unlock their full potential.
If your Lancashire‑based business is ready to take its next step, our team is here to help you explore the right funding options and growth pathways.




