A Preston complex offering quality fishing facilities plans to cast off with funding from the Rural Lancashire Development Fund and Rosebud Finance.

Langley Lakes Limited aim to provide a specialist carp fishing lake and a match lake containing a variety of fish for more competitive individual or club fishing.

Director Ann Almond said: “We want to provide a location for the North West angling community that is as natural as possible. We are using plants and vegetation that will attract a wide variety of wildlife.

“We have identified the land in rural Preston which will serve as an ideal location to do this whilst still being easily reached via our motorway network from our region and further afield.

“We intend to offer the opportunity to fish at a reasonable cost and make this as accessible as we can to enable as many as possible to use the facilities.

“We have also included shower and toilet facilities and a caf for the anglers.

“Rosebud Finance and the Rural Lancashire Development Fund provided some of the finance so that we can now begin to turn our plans into reality and get this business on the hook by autumn next year hopefully and create future local jobs for local people.”

Mark Almond, Co- director of the business said: “I researched this idea very thoroughly and found that there was a definite gap in the market and a high demand for a site.

“I have worked hard towards being able to be involved in the running of a business like this. I attended the college which has the reputation for leading the way in this field and obtained the necessary qualifications. Since then I have gained relevant business experience which I can now bring to this business.”

Lancashire County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning said: “Rosebud Finance is the authority’s award winning loan fund available to help business to start or grow and is available to help companies such as this take that initial commercial step.

“Rural Lancashire entrepreneurs can also receive help from the County Council through the Rural Lancashire Development Fund, as Ann and Mark have. We are very keen to help people in rural areas to develop successful business ideas.

“I know that Ann already has a strong track record of running businesses and couple this with their networks within this industry, knowledge and obvious entrepreneurship and acumen and I look forward to seeing these plans succeed.

“Anglers are prepared to travel considerable distances for quality fishing and so this will not only supply a demand but will also importantly attract visitors to Lancashire.

“I am also delighted to learn that it is anticipated that three new positions will be created once this business is running. This is obviously crucial at such a difficult economic time. Rural businesses such as this not only develop companies and communities but also Lancashire as a whole in terms of increased economic growth and employment opportunities.

“This really is an exciting business to watch for the future.”

Rosebud Finance is currently supporting over 120 businesses and over the last four years has enabled over 20 million to be invested in Lancashire firms. Rosebud is owned by the people of Lancashire, and all profits and income made is re-invested providing further investment opportunities for new clients.

Rosebud is versatile, with loans and equity funding available for any amount over 5,000 up to 750,000 no business is too large or too small to qualify. Proposals are considered on their individual merits and all types of business investment are eligible for consideration. Rosebud Finance is only available to businesses either already based in Lancashire or those relocating to the county.

Loan rates are competitive, and the arrangement fee is set at 2.5% of the total investment. A Rosebud loan is usually over a term of two to five years and in certain circumstances capital repayment holidays can be arranged.

Rosebud offers more than just finance, clients benefit from professional advice and help through LCDLs team of Mentors, Non-Executive Directors and other professionals including business support agencies. Linking this to LCDLs expertise in the commercial property market and business incubation capacity could make talking to us worthwhile.

Lancashire County Council recently launched a new micro-finance product called KickStart to help entrepreneurs achieve their aims by enabling their ideas to grow. In addition to finance this project offers support and encouragement to ensure that every client has the best opportunity possible to achieve their business potential. This micro finance helps new entrepreneurs who only need up to 5,000 to start or grow.

Recognising that many businesses are operating in difficult economic circumstances, Lancashire County Council is also working with partners such as the Chambers of Commerce and Business Link to support business and offer help and advice to get through the recession. Various County Council departments and both district and regional partners are working closely to develop a joint response to the economic downturn. The County Council wants to see the Lancashire economy grow stronger and provides a range of practical support measures to help business. Early examples of this activity include free Chamber of Commerce membership for our Rosebud Finance and Micro Finance investees along with expansion in our loan capacity and also grant / loan packages for rural businesses and renewable energy technologies.

To find out more about Rosebud Finance call (01772) 536652 or visit LCDLs website at www.lcdl.co.uk.

To find out how we may be able to help your business call LCDL on (01772) 536600 or visit the website at www.lcdl.co.uk.

To find out more about the Rural Lancashire Development Fund call (01772) 536600 or visit the website at www.lcdl.co.uk.

For the latest information on business support and advice for surviving the credit crunch call Lancashire County Council’s helpline on 0845 053 0000.

To contact Langley Lakes Limited email langleylakes@tiscali.co.uk.