Airship boosts expansion with NPIF support
Deal News | Jan 22, 2025 | Business Cloud
Airship Interactive, a renowned art services provider for major gaming companies like Disney, Microsoft, Blizzard, and others, has announced its move from Lytham St Annes to a new 8,000 sq ft office at Bruntwood SciTech’s Glasshouse in Alderley Park, South Manchester. This relocation is supported by a six-figure investment from NPIF II FW Capital Debt Finance, under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The move will not only accommodate the increased demand for Airship's services but also create nine new job opportunities, adding to the company's already 85-strong team. Since starting collaboration with FW Capital in 2020, Airship has grown its sales from £1 million to approximately £9 million, demonstrating significant business scaling. The funding initiative, NPIF II, aims to provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern England, with the fund already investing over £50 million since its March 2024 launch.
Sectors
- Media and Entertainment
- Investment and Finance
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – The relocation to Alderley Park, Manchester, and the focus on Northern England's economic development are relevant to the UK.
Industry
- Media and Entertainment – Airship Interactive specializes in art services for the gaming industry, involving major entertainment companies.
- Investment and Finance – The article discusses funding provided by FW Capital as part of the NPIF, an investment fund aimed at supporting SMEs.
- Technology – Airship's move to a tech-focused community and its role in digital art production highlight the significance of technology in its operations.
Financials
- Six-figure investment – The funding received by Airship Interactive from NPIF II for its relocation and expansion.
- £9 million – Current fiscal sales of Airship Interactive grown from £1 million since partnering with FW Capital.
- £660 million – Total size of the NPIF II fund aimed at supporting Northern England SMEs.
- £50 million – Investment amount already disbursed by NPIF II since its launch.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airship Interactive | Target company | Company | A leading art production studio serving major gaming companies, relocating to Alderley Park. |
| FW Capital | Investment firm | Company | Managed the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II providing financial backing to Airship Interactive. |
| NPIF II (Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II) | Funding source | Investment Fund | A £660 million fund offering debt and equity finance to support SMEs in Northern England. |
| Bruntwood SciTech | Property developer | Company | Developer of Glasshouse at Alderley Park, where Airship Interactive is relocating. |
| Joe Harford | CEO of Airship Interactive | Person | Founder and CEO, leading the company's strategic relocation and expansion. |
| Alistair Igo | Portfolio Executive at FW Capital | Person | Involved in managing and supporting Airship Interactive's funding and growth initiatives. |