Leyland-based holiday website creates 10 new jobs after Rosebud Fund investment

A Leyland-based company which operates the UK’s largest website for holiday accommodation bookings is creating ten new jobs following an investment by Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Fund.

Founded in 2003, iknow-UK Ltd offers 40,000 bookable hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages and apartments at locations throughout the UK.

The company receives over 100,000 booking enquiries every month, with customers ranging from members of the public to big companies and government departments looking for block bookings at the best price.

As a result of the investment, the company has just appointed six new staff in sales and copywriting, bringing their total staff to 22, and is recruiting four more.

Julian Ross, the company’s managing director, said: “iknow-UK is about more than simply putting ‘heads on beds’ - we provide both accommodation owners and visitors with a service tailored to their needs.

“Our aim is to offer people worldwide their ideal accommodation at the best price. The company is growing fast - we expect revenue to increase by 25% this year and by 75% in 2015.”

Rosebud is a finance package supporting Lancashire firms to grow and expand their business. The scheme is managed by Enterprise Ventures, on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL) - the County Council’s economic development company.

Paul Taberner of Enterprise Ventures said: “After 11 years in the business, iknow-UK knows exactly what its visitors are looking for. It is able to offer them the widest choice of accommodation and makes it easy for them to book. The Rosebud funding will help it grow the business by further developing the team.”

County Councillor Niki Penney, chairman of LCDL said: “Online accommodation booking services have experienced major growth in recent years, so we’re pleased to support a Lancashire-based company to help them grow their business even further.

“Rosebud is particularly keen to support the Creative and Digital sector, with the aim of creating new skilled jobs and encouraging economic growth in Lancashire.”