BBC Studioworks goes from strength to strength as it achieved its best commercial performance of the past decade, with sales exceeding expectations at £43M for the 2021/22 financial year, a revenue increase of 16% year-on-year.
Across the year, the company continued to facilitate unique, high impact content for multiple independent production companies and broadcasters. In parallel, it also focussed on pan UK expansion, with significant investments across its footprint and in its workforce.
Key highlights include:
- Pan UK expansion with a new studio being built at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow (due to open this autumn) and studio representation in Cardiff at Roath Lock
- Investment in its core business via new equipment purchases and a refresh of its facilities to enhance its employee and customer experience, including:
– Fuji lenses, LED audience lighting rig in Studio D, cyclorama tracks and additional scenic hoists in Stages 8 and 9 and EVS servers for tapeless record in George Lucas Stage 2
– Improvements to furniture and fittings for ancillary spaces related to Studio D, Stage 8 and Stage 9, plus enhancements to accessibility
- Significant focus was placed on evolving the company’s workforce and skillset, with substantial investment in learning and development to enable progression, enhance culture and create a modern and efficient business
- Skills crisis action – approx. 50 employee days dedicated to collaborations with local communities, national training institutions and underrepresented groups to inspire and develop the next generation of talent in studios operations
- A commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 80% over the next three years and using 100% renewable energy across its sites by 2024, with 2030 as a target to be carbon neutral
Andrew Moultrie, CEO BBC Studioworks:
“It’s been another brilliant year for the business where stellar financial results have been complimented by massive investments in both our people and infrastructure.
We have been trusted to deliver the biggest, most complex, and creative shows in the UK, collectively collaborating to deliver expert services to an ever-changing production ecosystem.
I cannot thank the Studioworks team enough, as well as our freelance community and suppliers, for their Herculean efforts over the past 12 months. They are what makes us the gold standard in studio operations.
With our new studio opening in Glasgow later this year, coupled with transformational investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and skills across our business, 22/23 is well set to be just as exciting (if not more) than the year we just had.”
