Leyland-based Matrix Cleaning Systems has been bought by its founder in a deal backed by Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Finance. Bob Pownall acquired the shares held by two of the original investors. Having secured the jobs of all 14 staff, Mr Pownall — along with his daughter Natalie and son Gavin — plans to take on 12 more people over the next three years.

He said: “The Rosebud funding has removed any uncertainty over the future by bringing full ownership within the family. This means we can continue manufacturing in Lancashire and press ahead with our plans to target the USA and other overseas markets.”

Matrix was established in 2001 as Steam Clean UK, supplying equipment to remove chewing gum from streets. It started to manufacture its own steam cleaning machines several years later and now makes a range of 18 machines for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

The Rosebud fund is managed by Enterprise Ventures on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Ltd. Peter Rooney of Enterprise Ventures said: “There is a world-wide market for steam cleaning equipment. As the only manufacturer outside Italy, Matrix is well placed to step up its export trade.”