AD:VENTURE and BEF deliver the threads of success to Yorkshire-based design agency.

“Before my life as a design agency owner I was a restaurateur for 20 years. My family owned two beautiful restaurants in Lincoln, so it all started washing pots at 8 years old for pocket money. I have 20 years of experience in design development and operations in high-end hospitality. We founded SingleThread to build creative, standout brands and websites. We are a small, ambitious company with big ideas but without the designer price tag.”

“We were looking for funding to grow the business and were aiming to hire a new team member to support that growth. We were also looking for valuable and meaningful connections to build on our business network.”

“I had a very clear vision for my business but needed someone to lean on, act as a sounding board when I made decisions. Bruce provided this and is always on hand for a chat or to offer suggestions, connections, and signposting to other helpful business support services”

“We took out a loan to furnish and equip our office for graphic design and video editing, which requires expensive computers that we couldn't afford otherwise. The extra funds were used for short-term cash flow and to hire our first staff member. With the capital, we're able to provide the new team member with the necessary computer and office equipment. These investments have allowed us to access additional grants. My experience with BEF was very positive. My case manager was always available to answer my queries, and he helped me fine-tune and adjust areas of my business plans and financial forecasts to ensure that they were presented in a way that improved the approval process. This, combined with Bruce's support, made the application process quick, fluid, and stress-free”

“I met Sam from Sam Teale productions –we followed with a meet up and realised there were lots of opportunities for the two businesses. SingleThread developed the company’s website and we have also created an affiliated partnership with Sam Teale Productions for all our future video content. I had a follow up meeting with the very talented Georgia Halston, founder of Halston Marketing, who kindly offered to review the business and was very complimentary which gave me confidence in our approach. A really positive connection! Alixe Lobato, founder of Flying Duck Studios, is another good connection who generously gave up time to offer advice and support from her own experiences. I also connected with the Innovate UK Edge team, including Chantelle Brandon Reeves. They reviewed the business and its objectives, this provided another confidence boost as the team felt we were doing everything we should be.”

“Having Bruce has been a great help – He doesn’t tell me what to do, but I can lean in and have someone to talk to, sound off my thoughts and ideas. Overall, the support from AD:VENTURE and wider connections I made have helped stop me going insane, giving me a sounding board to know I am making the right decisions! B2B was very different to my background in B2C, and although I knew I was going do it, having people on hand to talk to has helped me to go for it, to take the brave steps forward and break the mould. The financial support has helped to give the space to build a network and a more defined narrative of the business, which has been invaluable.”