Growth Hub Helps Rugby Business Secure New Work

A Rugby business which provides extras and actors for production companies has revolutionised the way it operates after receiving a grant from a business support organisation.

The Envisage Agency was established by Nichola Clydesdale in 2010 to provide promotional staff and over the years, it has evolved to create a new division called the Envisage Extra & Acting Casting Agency.

The business in Buckwell Lane, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, provides promotional staff and actors throughout the UK as well as overseas in Dubai, America, France and Germany.

Previously, the CVs of each candidate were inputted manually into its database by the 17-strong staff.

But after receiving a £3,000 grant from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Nichola bought and installed new software which has helped to simplify their processes.

Nichola said the new system has made a massive difference to the way the business works and has led to new work.

She said: “It has revolutionised everything we do. When the pandemic hit, even though we are an event staffing business we managed to keep going because despite lockdown, production companies still needed actors and extras.

“We were competing against casting agencies who had great technology because it is not just about having great people on your books, it is how quickly you can send their profiles.

“I remember one day I spent eight hours inputting profiles manually whereas other companies could send over the details quickly by email to put their clients forward and within ten minutes, the production company would have 20 or 30 applicants.

“I thought this was the time to act and when I received a marketing email from the Growth Hub, I decided to get in touch.

“Jon Bass from the CWLEP Growth Hub has been brilliant because he knew the grants that were available and which one I could apply for. I’m so grateful for his support and for the grant because I knew we were capable of growing.

“The software is now up and running and we are easily sending clients profiles of available staff on one simple link and have launched a new website www.envisagecastingagency.co.uk to promote this new way of working.

“It also means our extras and actors can upload new photos and their details themselves with their current experience so it is a win-win.”

Jon Bass, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said simplifying their processes was opening up new work for Envisage Extra & Acting Casting Agency.

“Nichola has a great business with over 20,000 registered extras which means it is vital their software makes the process of contacting production companies and PR agencies as smooth as possible,” he said.

“After identifying the ERDF specialist grant, we helped Nichola with the application process to successfully receive the £3,000.

“It is great news that the business has already won new contracts and that the whole system is much quicker and simpler for everyone involved.”

Caption: Nichola Clydesdale (left) and Elliss McLaughlin (right) from the Envisage Agency with Jon Bass from the CWLEP Growth Hub

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,