Outdoor Elements marks 15-year milestone as Rosebud highlights long-term impact in 40th year  

As Rosebud marks its 40th year of backing Lancashire businesses, the investment fund is using the milestone to highlight companies that have taken early support and gone on to build sustainable growth. One of those is Outdoor Elements, which this month marks 15 years since opening its outdoor activity centre at Simonstone. 

Outdoor Elements was established in 2001 and grew to the point where it needed a permanent base for its programmes. The Simonstone centre opened in May 2011 and has since developed into a well-established provider of outdoor learning, team development and activity experiences for schools, businesses, community groups and families across Lancashire and beyond. 

The anniversary is being highlighted as an example of the long-term value of locally delivered growth finance. Rosebud, part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, supports businesses that are viable and ready to invest, but not always a straightforward fit for traditional high street lending at that stage in their development. Rosebud’s backing supported Outdoor Elements during its early set-up phase, helping the business move from concept to a permanent operating site. 

Managing Director Jim Bowden said: “Rosebud’s backing was instrumental in helping us get started. Fifteen years on, we’re proud to have built a sustainable business that contributes to the local economy and supports schools, workplaces and community groups across the county.” 

County Councillor Brian Moore, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “In Rosebud’s 40th year, it is great to hear about the businesses that took early support and turned it into long-term success. Outdoor Elements shows what that looks like in practice. It is a Lancashire business that has grown steadily, supported local jobs and created a valued offer for schools, employers and communities.” 

Martin Emmott, Fund Manager at Rosebud, said: “Reaching 40 years is an opportunity to look back at the impact of backing good businesses at the right time. Outdoor Elements is a strong example of a business that had a clear vision, used early support to establish a permanent base, and has built a trusted reputation over the long term. That is exactly the kind of sustainable growth Rosebud exists to support.” 

Outdoor Elements says the Simonstone site continues to play an important role in supporting outdoor learning and development opportunities across Lancashire, with programmes used by schools, corporate teams and community organisations, as well as family and private group bookings.