Acquisitive Manchester based digital marketing agency boosted by six-figure NPIF loan

Digital Media Stream, a Manchester based digital marketing agency, has secured a £100k loan from NPIF – River & GC Microfinance, which GC Business Finance (GCBF) manages in partnership with River Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Founded in 2011 by Simon Leeming and Dave Watson after working in sales at an American software company together, Digital Media Stream was established to combine their sales experience with marketing. 

The business quickly achieved strong growth and is now a Diamond HubSpot Solutions Partner, offering CRM implementation projects with retained marketing services. 

Digital Media Stream initially secured an £18k Start Up Loan through the British Business Bank and was delivered by GCBF in 2014. Using the loan to help scale the business, the team has also utilised a number of other services through the Growth Company, having recently attended workshops organised by the Growth Hub.

In 2023, Digital Media Stream acquired Bespoke Digital, a marketing agency with over 20 years’ experience in digital marketing. Subsequently, the team grew to 22 people, along with implementing a new management structure.

To further scale the business, the Digital Media Stream team worked closely with GCBF, helping to guide them through the application process. This allowed Digital Media Stream to focus on integrating both businesses seamlessly to offer customers the best possible service. 

With the NPIF loan in place, Digital Media Stream has ambitious plans for the future and is looking to increase its revenue to £2m. The business also plans to further invest in its talent and technology, building on the increased skillset it gained from the acquisition of Bespoke Digital to enhance the service it offers to clients.

Simon Leeming, co-founder of Digital Media Stream, commented: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since founding Digital Media Stream in 2011. 

“The last year has been particularly exciting for us, with the acquisition of Bespoke Digital and the expansion of our team. To allow us to continue delivering on our market leading proposition, it was clear additional funding was needed.

“Andy and the team at GCBF have supported us throughout our entire journey, from start up to expansion, with this latest loan testament to their ability to understand our business goals. With the new loan in place, we can continue to invest in our people further and support even more clients.”

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