Menu

Preston’s Home Handbooks expanding after buy-out

Posted on - 4th August, 2022 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Business, Preston News
Home HandBooks – Jonathan Nelson from Rosebud with Danny Garratt and Peter Ward

A firm that runs several local business directories is seeking full-time staff following a recent buyout.

Preston-based Home Handbooks operates six directories in the Greater Preston area on an 18-month cycle, with firms paying for mention within its pages.

It currently employs one full-time staff member and several seasonal roles but is seeking to expand after undergoing a management buyout with the help of a Rosebud loan.

It was started in 2010 by ex-Blackpool Gazette journalist Peter Ward and has recently been purchased by Preston businessman Danny Garratt, who also owns Preston Tuition Centre.

Read more: Plans to redevelop Preston Bus depot in Deepdale Road

Danny Garratt said: “I am keen to modernise the company’s website.

“There’s a generation of people that may not even look at the physical handbooks, a generation that will use both the website and the physical magazines, and a generation that will only use the handbook.

“We want to cater for everyone. We will look at how we could monetise the website and may take on an additional member of staff to operate it.

“I’m also keen to offer social media services to local businesses, and we may also look to employ somebody who can manage clients’ social media channels for a fee.”

Read more: UK’s first pink kebabs have landed in Preston

Garratt said they hope to gain a ‘couple of employees’ and seasonal staff to deliver the handbooks.

The MBO is funded with a £55,000 loan from Rosebud, used to invest in the growth of Home Handbooks over the coming years.

Rosebud is owned by Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), a subsidiary of Lancashire County Council.

Read more: Plau bar and 263 restaurant shortlisted as Lancashire’s best

It aims to support the growth of Lancashire businesses and the local economy, offering loans between £10,000 and £300,000 and ‘high-quality business support’.

Danny was introduced to Rosebud by Cassim Patel at Lancashire’s Access to Finance service, who approached Rosebud and arranged a meeting with Rosebud fund manager Jonathan Nelson.

Danny said: “Jonathan was keen to discover more about the business and understood the scope for growth.

“He was helpful throughout the application process and worked with me proactively to get the deal over the line.”

Read more: Baluga and Tipsy Chef team up to create Preston’s newest bottomless brunch

Danny also wants to grow the business geographically.

He said there had been a demand for the handbooks in areas including Lytham and Lancaster, and the expansion would likely require the recruitment of an additional member of staff.

Jonathan Nelson, the fund manager at Rosebud, said: “Rosebud’s loans can be used to facilitate growth for Lancashire businesses in whichever way is most appropriate.

“For Home Handbooks, Danny’s purchase of the business from Peter has the potential to unlock expansion.

“I’m proud that Rosebud has been able to facilitate this deal, and l look forward to continuing to support Danny to grow the business over the coming years.”

Read more: Preston cafe to host thermal cooking bag demo and tasting event

Businesses in Lancashire’s 12 local authority areas are eligible for the funding: Burnley; Chorley; Fylde; Hyndburn; Lancaster; Pendle; Preston; Ribble Valley; Rossendale; South Ribble; West Lancashire; Wyre.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea



Read moreSee the latest Preston news and headlines

Share
Preston in pictures Sentinel Shunter Ribble Rail Sentinel 33027 Jim MartinThe Old Taxi Rank, Preston Bus StationPreston Market at night.Preston Bus StationPreston Bus StationPreston - former Martins Bank, 181 Friargate 241019 2 View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails