Rosebud Finance Fuels Funding Boost for Accrington-Based Sheet Metal Specialist

Metal fabrication powerhouse Pharma Sheet Metal (PSM) has secured a significant £200k loan from Rosebud Finance, Lancashire County Council’s business loans arm managed by GC Business Finance. This financial boost comes as a strategic move to fuel PSM's ongoing expansion.

Originally founded in Accrington in 2021 by Lee Limbert, PSM has rapidly evolved into a key player within the sheet metal industry. Limbert's journey began in a modest single unit, and within just two years, the company has burgeoned, now spanning three interconnected units, encompassing an impressive 15,000 square feet.

Operating in two specialised domains, PSM excels in both food metal detection equipment and top-tier sheet metal services catering to diverse industries. The company's growth trajectory has been in direct response to escalating client demand. From a humble start with a team of four, PSM has now expanded to a robust 24-member team, ready to broaden its service portfolio across both operational sectors.

Lee Limbert's collaboration with Mark Gibbons at Access to Finance (A2F) led to a pivotal referral to Rosebud. The £200k loan obtained from Rosebud has been judiciously invested in cutting-edge machinery, encompassing CNC laser cutting, bending and milling, and turning machines. Notably, the acquisition also includes a self-contained glass bead-blast unit, strategically bringing outsourced production processes in-house.

Acknowledging the importance of business readiness, Limbert sought support from Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. The engagement with Boost involved valuable mentoring support and facilitated connections, including an introduction to a new Lancashire-based supplier.

Beyond the focus on internal production capabilities, PSM is steadfast in its commitment to expanding its global supply chain. The company is strategically streamlining operations to enhance efficiency while upholding its unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier quality. Additionally, PSM is proactively investing in the future workforce by gearing up to bring in more apprentices, ensuring a robust foundation for the next generation in metal fabrication expertise.

Lee Limbert, Director at Pharma Sheet Metal, said: “As a business owner, the first few years can be a real learning curve. From growing our team to expanding our premises, there have been so many milestones, and I’m very proud of the position we’ve been able to establish in the market. The funding from Rosebud marks yet another milestone, and the support received from Jonathan has been instrumental in driving the growth of our business.

“Now, we're on the cusp of an exciting new chapter where we'll be investing in apprenticeships, expanding our global supply chain, and broadening our customer base.”

Jonathan Nelson, Senior Loans Manager at Rosebud, said: “The impressive strides Pharma Sheet Metal has made, both in terms of their operations and their commitment to excellence, stand as a testament to their dedication and hard work. The team's ongoing growth and its steadily expanding clientele serve as an example of the remarkable entrepreneurship found in Lancashire. I wish the team every success and look forward to seeing how the business develops in the coming years".

Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, added: “The rapid growth of Pharma Sheet Metal perfectly displays the strength of businesses in Lancashire. With a number of resources in our region it’s great to see that Lee was able to utilise A2F, Boost, and Rosebud to facilitate further growth. These services play a key role in driving forward progress and boosting our regional economic prosperity and I wish Lee and the team all the best for the future.”