Film Production ; Movie Theatres ; Other Arts, Entertainment & Amusement Businesses
established for more than twenty years, this business is one of the leading film and tv prop hire businesses operating exclusively in the niche ‘food shoots’ sector. Ideally located in very well suited premises on the highly prestigious and appropriate shepperton studios site – a major uk film and tv facility with 20 stages, this business supplies a wide range of catering equipment – stainless steel, white goods, tables, chairs and appliances etc throughout the uk, but primarily in and around london and for use at shepperton and its parent company’s pinewood studios. The equipment this business supplies is used primarily behind camera on ‘food shoots’ – working equipment that is actually used behind the scenes to create the food featured in tv and internet commercials and films. In addition the business supplies equipment which is actually included as set dressing in the film or commercial itself – refrigerators, gas hobs, range cookers, electric ovens, microwaves etc all stock is carefully selected and modified for fast and easy set up on set – gas hobs are converted to run on bottled gas for example, as well as for easy cleaning and maintenance. The business also has a mobile product workshop – a vehicle designed and built specifically to be used as a kitchen workshop when filming is at a location where no preparation facilities are available. With it’s own power circuit, lighting, a built in water boiler for hot and cold running water and with fresh and grey water reservoirs, the unit has been designed to be very versatile with removable sections of work surfaces so that the workshop can be modified to include different appliances as may be required for different shoots. Other income streams arise from the hire of tables, chairs and laundry equipment within shepperton and pinewood studios – this business is the only on-site stockist of these items at shepperton. A further line of hire is backless appliances – fridges, ovens, microwaves and washing machines that have had the back panel removed used for shots where the camera appears to be inside the appliance itself. And with additional services such as the supply of bottled gas and ancillaries such as smoke packs for ‘steam’ effects on food, this really is a ‘one stop shop’ for all ‘food shoot’ prop hire. Not content to stay in the kitchen, for shower and bath scenes this business has also designed and built two mobile hot water delivery systems – wheeled units of approximately 6ft x 6ft x 2ft incorporating a condensed version of a home plumbing design widely used for feature films and in the making of commercials for shampoos and bath products, for example. A well known and instantly recognised name within the tv and film sector this business works very closely with production companies to ensure their full requirements are met for each and every job – often recommending equipment that more closely fits the bill than that originally specified. Not surprisingly therefore, appliances supplied by this business have been used by many tv chefs including jamie oliver, gary rhodes and gordon ramsay as well as featuring in many other tv programmes, tv commercials, feature films, book covers and poster advertising. Very well established and with an enviable reputation for professionalism, this business operates in a very glamorous and highly attractive sector. With turnover in recent years consistently in the region of £200,000; £220,000 for the financial year ending march 2009 generating pre-tax net operating profits of approximately 50%, this business should appeal to any mainstream film and tv prop hire company looking to extend its presence into the ‘food shoots’ arena or to an individual looking to establish themselves in this sector by acquiring one its market leading businesses. Key strengths: this business is ideally located with premises on the site of one of the best known tv and film studios in the industry and with easy access to all of the commercial studios and production companies based predominantly in the west london and greater london areas. It is very well established with an excellent reputation for providing a comprehensive range of appliances and equipment to suit all ‘food shoot’ requirements – having for many years set the standard of equipment for the industry. Quite simply this business is considered to be not just a supplier, but an integral part of the film and tv industry, often working in a consultative capacity with its customers. It offers a fast, flexible and friendly service at sensible prices. With a clear understanding of the requirements of production companies the ethos of this business is to carefully select and have available product which can be modified for fast and easy set up on stage and for easy cleaning and maintenance ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction – reinforced by high quality customer service and support. Having continuously updated and added to its comprehensive range of goods on a regular basis, buying from all the leading names, this business holds some of the best stock available and for appliances and white goods required as set dressing in front of camera, where a specific, make and model in pristine condition may be required, the business has negotiated a facility to hire brand new appliances from a nearby white goods showroom for re-hire to its customers. All appliances are cleaned and maintained ready for use – portable appliance tested (pat) using dedicated pat testing equipment before going out. The business’s staff are no less impressive – being experienced in the maintenance of stock and warehouse management in addition to being very well known to customers and familiar with delivering equipment to studios and locations. No less an asset to the business is its very well designed, informative and easy to navigate website. As well as performing very well in all major search engines for all appropriate search terms, the site, which is maintained and updated in house, features photographs and details of all stock enabling customers to decide what they require before contacting this business, minimising the amount of time clarifying requirements over the phone. Approximately 95% of orders are placed by phone. Key opportunities: this is an ideal add-on to any company currently represented in the services offered by this business affording excellent economies of scale. New owners from outside the sector will benefit from an excellent revenue stream merely by farming the existing customer base and promoting the range of services currently on offer. There is however a tremendous opportunity to build on the existing base of this business. With a strong demand for its products and services, there is the capacity to increase turnover and profitability for a new owner contributing fresh ideas, outside influence, enthusiasm and motivation particularly in relation to sales and marketing – no sales personnel are currently employed within the business - and by expanding into related areas.
