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Prudhoe Rosettes focused on growth thanks to six-figure NPIF II funding

Press release 25 March 2025

Darlington-based Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies is driving forward its expansion strategy after receiving a six figure investment from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Image of Prudhoe Rosettes team

The investment, secured by business advisors and accountants Armstrong Watson, has supported the initial and on-going growth of the business post-acquisition, which includes a refresh of the company branding and marketing. It is also assisting plans to expand the manufacturing capabilities of the business. This includes plans to invest in improvements at its premises and create new jobs in the future to meet increased product demand. 

Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies is a long established North East business that was launched in 1901 by George Prudhoe as stationers G. Prudhoe & Co. Ltd. Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies has manufactured high quality trophies and rosettes since 1977 for use in shows and events as well as expanding into commercial printing.

In 1999 the business acquired Alden Arts, a specialist range of canine jewellery and giftware. In 2024 the previous owners, David and Bridget Emerson, retired from the business which had been in their family for 123 years. It was acquired by the current owner and Managing Director Neil Coaker.

Neil Coaker, Managing Director at Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies said:

We're focused on investing in growth and taking the business to the next level. It's very much business as usual for all our staff and customers but we're seeking to enhance the service and products we currently provide. This includes an updated website and new branding provided by local business Maitland Web Designers.

I'm working with Martin Arkle, our General Manager, who brings considerable experience having worked for Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies since 1981 when he joined the business aged 16. Martin has been pivotal during the takeover of Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies, and his unwavering support for the growth of the business both past and present can be seen in the early shoots of growth in a small space of time since the takeover. The funding support from Alex at FW Capital has been invaluable. Everything has been efficient and with their assistance we are well positioned to grow the business and invest in the future.

Alex Gent, Senior Investment Executive at FW Capital said:

Every so often I am amazed by the variety of businesses we have in the North East that you have no idea were there. Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies is one of those businesses. Visiting the site and seeing the care and attention with which awards for various shows and events were being put together was a treat, and being able to support the company with its continued growth plans under new ownership has been a pleasure. David Wilson and Helena Lorimer at Armstrong Watson provided invaluable support to Neil and made my job easier through their responsiveness and attention to detail – always a bonus! So, a big thank you to them.

Martin Arkle, General Manager at Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies added:

I am delighted to be working with Neil. Exciting times lie ahead with much needed and overdue improvements to the premises, along with new branding and signage. We have recently acquired new updated machinery which will enable us to offer more in house services including laser engraved signs, crystal and giftware. Also personalised books, diaries, invitations etc in gold leaf print. Our new e-commerce website is also now live. I am confident all of this will help take our expansion plans to the next level, made possible by growth fund investment supplied by FW Capital.

David Wilson, Corporate Finance Partner at Armstrong Watson, said:

We were delighted to introduce Neil to the business back in 2024 and to see the business grow and achieve what it has done in such a short space of time.

The acquisition has proved a massive success which has been clearly demonstrated by the increase in sales and overall growth of the business. The NPIF - FW Capital investment which was then made after the acquisition has been crucial. We look forward to following Prudhoe Rosettes progress over the coming months and years.

NPIF II - FW Capital Debt Finance can provide loans in the NPIF II area with a primary focus on the North West regions of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance. FW Capital will provide debt finance options from £100,000 to £2million to businesses based in the North West of England, with some flexibility to lend across the North.

Further Information

If you are a journalist and have a media enquiry, please contact [email protected].

Notes to editors

About the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II

NPIF II is a £660 million investment fund to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across the North of England launched in March 2024.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is one of a series of new Nations and Regions Investment Funds launched by the British Business Bank delivering a £1.6 billion commitment of new funding to drive sustainable economic growth.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II offers a range of commercial finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund covers the entire North of England including Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Yorkshire & the Humber, Cheshire & Warrington, Cumbria, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, and Northumberland.

It aims to tackle an identified funding gap between the North and South of England and increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses.

FW Capital manages the £75 million NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance fund, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II  on behalf of the British Business Bank. Finance of £100,000 to £2 million is available to businesses in the North of England with a focus on Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

About FW Capital

FW Capital is a fund management company currently managing UK-based funds of £390.8m. For further information visit FW Capital

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