Global production specialist ACrew4U targets fivefold growth following challenging trading period

International video, photography and TV production specialist ACrew4U has set its sights on growing the business fivefold after navigating a challenging trading period with the support of long-term funding partner Pulse Finance.

Founded in Paris in 2003, ACrew4U has grown into an international production business with offices in London and Cape Town and a network of more than 3,000 production professionals spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America and Oceania.

The company provides video, photography, podcast and TV production crews and services to clients around the world, working with some of the best-known names in media and business, including the BBC, Netflix, ITV, Google, Virgin, Oracle, Coca-Cola and Louis Vuitton.

Its global network enables ACrew4U to source experienced production professionals locally while coordinating projects centrally, giving clients access to production expertise across multiple territories without the complexity of managing numerous suppliers.

After more than two decades in the industry, the business is now preparing for its next phase of expansion following a testing six to nine months in which turnover slowed and a number of outstanding customer debts put additional pressure on cash flow, with some requiring legal action to recover.

Despite those headwinds, ACrew4U is seeing encouraging signs of renewed momentum. Annual turnover is now forecast to reach approximately £1 million compared with around £800k generated over the previous 12-month period.

 With performance strengthening, the management team is looking beyond the recent slowdown and has set an ambitious longer-term goal of growing the business fivefold as it capitalises on its international network, established client relationships and increasing demand for flexible global production support.

Central to ACrew4U’s ability to navigate the recent period has been the continuity of funding provided by Pulse Finance, which has supported the company since June 2020.

ACrew4U initially approached the funder after reviewing a number of providers recommended by its financial adviser. The business selected Pulse Finance based on a combination of competitive pricing, responsive service and its relationship-led approach.

Pulse Finance subsequently provided a £110k funding facility, giving ACrew4U additional working capital flexibility and helping the company manage the cashflow demands that can arise when delivering projects internationally and working across different client payment cycles.

Bill Mountain, Director of ACrew4U, said: “You begin the relationship because you want to support cash flow, but you end up staying because the continuity of funding and the relationship you build are incredibly valuable.

“The team at Pulse Finance really stand out. Alex and Toyah are exceptionally good, and their proactive communication and commitment to helping us manage through uncertainty have been invaluable.

“It feels like a genuine partnership. Alex regularly checks in with us and, if he hears about something that could benefit the business, he will get in touch. We work extremely well as a team and, ultimately, that level of client service is why we have stayed with Pulse Finance for more than six years.

“Having reliable funding in place also gives us the confidence to think beyond the immediate challenges and focus on where we want to take the company next.

“We have aspirations to grow ACrew4U fivefold. We already have an extensive international network, a strong track record and experience working with some of the world’s leading brands, so the opportunity now is to build on those foundations and significantly increase the scale of the business.

“Knowing we have a funding partner that understands how our business operates and is prepared to support our ambitions gives us additional confidence as we enter that next phase.”

Siouxsie Ashmore, Head of Operations at Pulse Finance, said: “Our role is to give businesses the confidence and financial stability they need to focus on what they do best. That means being there when companies are growing, but it is equally important to stand alongside them when market conditions become more challenging.

“Long-term funding relationships are built on understanding the business behind the numbers and maintaining open communication. ACrew4U is a great example of why that approach matters.

“It is fantastic to see the business regaining momentum. Bill and his team have built an impressive international operation and established a global reputation over more than 20 years.

“We are delighted to have supported ACrew4U through both periods of growth and more challenging trading conditions, and we are excited to see the team now looking forward with renewed confidence and such ambitious plans for the future.”

Having successfully navigated the recent slowdown, ACrew4U is now firmly focused on expansion. With turnover recovering, an established international infrastructure and access to ongoing working capital support, the company believes it has a strong platform from which to pursue its next stage of growth.

Its fivefold growth ambition will centre on building on its existing global footprint, strengthening relationships with international clients and increasing the volume of productions delivered through its worldwide network of creative and technical professionals.

For Pulse Finance, the relationship also demonstrates the role that consistent access to funding can play in helping established businesses manage fluctuations in trading performance while continuing to plan for longer-term growth.

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