LED Creative predicts a bright future with ThinCats funding
LED Creative, the specialist provider of LED lighting systems to the entertainment and media production industry, has secured funding from ThinCats, the leading alternative finance lender to medium-sized businesses.
Based in St Albans, LED Creative is run jointly by directors Gerald and Sally Smith. The company currently works mostly on TV productions, including shows such as Dancing on Ice, The Greatest Dancer, BAFTA and Naked Attraction. LED Creative works directly with broadcasters and independent “Set Designers” to help create the concepts for studio sets and then provide and install the specialist lighting equipment.
The funding from ThinCats will be used primarily to acquire the shareholding of co-founder Adam Howard, who started the business with Gerald Smith in 2012. Gerald and Sally are also keen to further diversify the business into non-TV production areas including theatre, live music, corporate events and retail. A portion of the new funding package will be used to market to new clients.
LED Creative was introduced to ThinCats by Steve Leverton of Cornmill Associates. ThinCats’ director, regional business development, Stuart Thompson worked closely with Steve, Gerald and Sally to understand the business’s current position in the market and their growth ambitions to create a bespoke funding solution.
Gerald Smith, director of LED Creative, said: “The revised ownership structure means that Sally and I can focus all our attention on taking the business forward as we look to expand into new areas. We were delighted that ThinCats quickly understood our vision and bought into helping us make it happen.”
Stuart Thompson, director, regional business development for ThinCats, said: “LED Creative has a clear strategy to grow the company including diversifying into new markets. Gerald and Sally have great experience in this sector and are well placed to accelerate the growth of their business. ThinCats is keen to support ambitious businesses and we hope to become a long-term funding partner for LED Creative in the years ahead.”
