Sticks & Glass
Growth Fund - Loans & Equity Case Study
Leeds based independent media production and technology business Sticks & Glass specialises in production, post-production and live broadcasting. Many of its clients are Yorkshire based independent production companies which benefit from the company’s state of the art finishing facilities.
The company
Sticks & Glass was founded in 2018 by Adam Bennett and Martin Oliver, experienced editors, directors and camera operators. Having worked around the world, the duo decided to establish their business in Leeds – home to several broadcasters including Channel 4.
Sticks & Glass counts the BBC, Channel 4 and HBO among its clients and has recently secured a prestigious three-year contract to deliver over 160 live Women’s Super League 2 (WSL) games with its production partner, broadcasting to the world and strengthening its offer in live sports broadcasting.
The challenge
To support the delivery of the WSL2 contract, Sticks & Glass needed to recruit experienced production staff to support the operation.
Adam said: “When Channel 4 moved to Leeds we decided to turbo charge the business and build a world class post-production facility in the city to secure the work we wanted.
“We are in a unique position in the market, offering production, post-production and live broadcasting expertise and facilities.”
Finance Yorkshire involvement
A £250,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund is supporting the company’s ambitions to secure more contracts.
Adam said: “Finance Yorkshire’s investment has come at a great time for us and enables us to make senior hires to grow the business.”
The investment rationale
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “The creative and digital media industry in the region, particularly in West Yorkshire, is thriving and Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Sticks & Glass in cementing its place as a leader in production and post-production services through this investment.
“The winning of the football contract marks a new chapter for the company, providing other opportunities for live broadcasting across sport, entertainment and factual programming as well as creating a new creative hub for live sports and talent development in West Yorkshire."
Future expectations
Sticks & Glass’ business strategy is to continually reinvest in the company, ensuring its facilities evolve to meet the requirements of the ever-changing broadcast industry.
Adam added: “Leeds has been a massive part of our story and so is our physical space. We like challenging and innovating so we’re not following but leading where our industry should be going.”