Agricultural pioneer secures six-figure financial boost to continue global growth
A six-figure loan will help a trail-blazing Chorley business to offer its water-saving technology to a wider international audience.
Engage Crop Solutions has secured the loan from Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Finance, managed by GC Business Finance.
The funding will be used to support its ambitious plans for growth, including geographical expansion, marketing initiatives, and new product development.
Founded in 2012 by Mark Horner, Andy Aspinall, Mike Panteli, and Peter Blezard, Engage has emerged as a leading player in the horticulture and agriculture industries.
Having all known each other for more than 20 years working together at Plant Impact, an AIM-listed chemical biostimulant company, they decided to come together to leverage their expertise.
Engage specialises in developing products that facilitate plant growth. It focuses on horticulture, having fostered partnerships with major supermarket chains and establishing a strong presence in the UK Spanish markets. By showcasing the effectiveness of its technology through extensive trials, Engage aims to further expand its international footprint.
In recent years Engage has broadened its horizons and started addressing wider industry challenges. One of Engage’s key technologies is Aqualatus, a groundbreaking water-saving solution.
With agriculture accounting for 70% of natural water usage, preserving this valuable resource is crucial. Aqualatus allows growers to use up to 50% less water, while still maintaining plant health and crop yields.
Engage currently has a global presence, including in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, countries that are investing heavily in creating modern cities.
Engage’s technology offers a sustainable approach to watering plants in urban landscapes. In some countries, trials have been conducted on landscapes and football pitches while in Egypt, the focus has been on integrating the technology into agricultural crops to address limited water availability in inland areas. Engage is also targeting Latin American markets, including Costa Rica, Mexico, and Chile.
As part of its growth strategy, Engage has been closely collaborating with the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), which has supported connections in the Middle East, particularly through trade exhibitions.
Mike Pantelli, founder and director at Engage Crop Solutions, said: “Our product is at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture industry. We are transforming horticulture across the world, and are incredibly proud of our Lancashire roots.
“Once we were introduced to Rosebud, the help and support we received was enormous. This funding will enable us to accelerate our expansion plans, increasing our reach, and ultimately having a positive impact on the industry.”
Jonathan Nelson, fund manager at Rosebud Finance, said: “Engage’s innovation, ambition and commitment to sustainable practices made them the ideal recipient for funding from Rosebud. The team demonstrated real dedication to solving industry-wide challenges, and are a business that Lancashire can be truly proud of. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and positive impact in the agricultural sector.”
Cllr Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change at Lancashire County Council, said: “This news is fantastic for the region, as Engage’s success highlights the innovative and forward-thinking businesses that thrive in Lancashire.
“It’s cutting-edge horticultural technology not only addresses global industry challenges but also puts Lancashire on the map as a hub for agricultural innovation. We are proud to support the team’s journey and excited to see the positive impact they continue to make both locally and globally.”
