A Lancashire boat hire company that has branched out into weddings and other events is continuing to expand its business with the backing of two loans from Rosebud.

Canal Boat Cruises, based at Riley Green Marina, Hoghton allows customers to hire river boats for special occasions, events, romantic dinners and vacations.

The company bought land adjacent to the site and then turned it into a wedding venue with the help of a £130,000 loan from Rosebud which it secured in 2018.

The two companies, Canal Boat Cruises and The Tipis at Riley Green, have had a tough two years during Covid-19 but said Rosebud’s support has also helped the companies keep staff working throughout the period.

Director Lesley Yates said: ‘Our wedding and events business had to close completely for 18 months. We opened the teepees last April and were able to use them for smaller gatherings, but the remaining money from the Rosebud loan allowed us to keep our staff.

“This year, in addition to a large number of weddings, we hope to do more corporate events and also more to help the local community.”

Rosebud is owned by Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lancashire County Council. It aims to support the growth of Lancashire businesses and the local economy, providing loans between £10,000 and £300,000 as well as high quality business support.

In addition to the loan the company received in 2018, Canal Boat Cruises also received a Rosebud Micro loan in 2015 to help it grow. With the support of the two loans, the company has grown from a total of eight people to 25 and continues to expand.

“All businesses know that ensuring their longevity means always looking for new opportunities to improve the business,” added Lesley. “We are currently evaluating a number of different ways to expand our offering.”

Canal Boat Cruises is also playing an increasingly important role in its local community.

Lesley said: “We do a lot of charity events. We have done some with the Blackburn with Darwen Foster Carers Association and we support the homeless and less fortunate with activities such as archery.

“The exposure the company gets from our growth allows us to do some great things. It becomes a hub for the community. The local choir practices every Monday in our teepees, which is important to help the elderly and isolated to get out of the house.

County Councilor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s great to see Lancashire businesses growing at the heart of their local communities.

“I am proud that Lancashire County Council has been able to support Canal Boat Cruises as the business has diversified and grown. I look forward to continuing to follow their story over the next few years.

Jonathan Nelson, Senior Lending Manager at Rosebud, said, “We often see businesses that we have supported through Rosebud come back and continue to use our support at different stages of their business journey.

“Canal Boat Cruises is a great example of how a business can work with Rosebud repeatedly to grow through diversification.”

Rosebud is provided by GC Business Finance. Businesses in Lancashire’s 12 local authorities are eligible for funding: Burnley; Chorley; Fylde; Hyndburn; Lancaster; Hang; Preton; Ribble Valley; Rossendale; South Ribble; West Lancashire; wyre.