Forbes Solicitors wins role advising SME finance scheme run by county council

Forbes Solicitors has been appointed to provide legal services to Lancashire County Council's Rosebud Finance scheme, which is run by the local authority’s economic development company.

Forbes’ appointment by Lancashire County Developments to advise Rosebud Finance followed a four-way tender process.

Rosebud was set up in 1986 to help generate wealth and employment, and improve access to finance for SMEs in Lancashire - one of the first funds of its kind in the country.

The team at Forbes will be delivering advice and legal support on bespoke documentation where Rosebud Finance is lending to Lancashire businesses.

Over the last six years, Rosebud has invested over £8.25m in 83 companies, helping to create more than 1,100 jobs.

Pauline Rigby, Partner & Head of Corporate & Restructuring at Forbes, said: “Rosebud is an important and long-standing investment fund and it's a great vote of confidence in the local professional service sector that we can announce Forbes has secured this commission against strong regional competition.

“We are delighted to have been selected and are looking forward to help with this fantastic scheme, which has helped and continues to help scores of businesses across the area.”

Martin Kelly, director of economic development for Lancashire County Council, said: "We are delighted that Forbes will help us continue Rosebud's track record of support and backing for businesses, whose growth directly creates jobs here in the county and boosts our economy."