Azets supports independent design studio on its growth journey
Creator, based at Castle Eden in Durham, covers a broad range of full-service digital. They create bespoke, fast, scalable, user-friendly applications and headless websites using popular content management systems, like WordPress, Contentful and Shopify paired with front-end frameworks like NextJS and NuxtJS.
Not solely experts in all things web, Creator also produces digital advertising campaigns to drive customer acquisition and growth for some of the world's leading brands - from thumb-stopping social campaigns to engaging augmented reality experiences.
Creator was established in 2014 from humble, freelance beginnings and their roots in freelance life remain today. They work with global clients in a multitude of verticals from e-commerce, finance and gaming to real estate.
After outgrowing their existing accountant, they went looking for business advisory services who could support them on their growth journey, and they were subsequently referred to Azets in 2020 by an existing technology client of the firm. Led by Partner, Andrew Rowe, Azets advised founder Ryan Carter on future growth options.
As Creator director Ryan Carter explained: “Andrew and the team at Azets reviewed and overhauled our internal systems, revamped our cloud accounting and trained and supported our team.
“They also supported us in obtaining significant research and development claims on projects which we weren’t aware we could previously claim for.”
His advice to fellow founders and entrepreneurs is to “get the experts in as soon as you can.”
New premises to enable growth
Creator rented offices within premises at Castle Eden Studios. When they found out the whole site was for sale, they had a big decision to make. Andrew introduced Ryan to Phil Empson, Funding and Strategic Partnership Director at Azets, to look at funding options. Working alongside the Azets Tax Advisory team, Phil presented a funding proposal to the bank on behalf of Creator.
HSBC approved the commercial loan facility which enabled Creator to acquire the premises and move to a larger space within the unique building and then become a landlord to the rest of the site. This will enable Creator to expand and grow their team further as the business moves forward with new hiring plans.
Andrew Rowe commented on the work undertaken with Creator: “By bringing in multi-disciplinary specialists with in-depth sector knowledge, we’ve been able to support Creator on their growth journey. They’re a brilliant, dynamic business and I’m looking forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.”