Hyde-based creative agency Tucano grows following Start Up Loan support

Creative agency Tucano has seen growth of 75% since receiving a loan from Business Finance Solutions (BFS) earlier this year.

BFS, the North West’s delivery partner for the government’s £150m Start Up Loans scheme, provided the Cheshire firm with a loan of £5k, which the firm used to invest in new equipment and expand its photographic services.

Daniel Godfrey, a co-owner of Hyde-based Tucano, said: “Having worked in agencies ourselves we are very aware of how much it takes to run a big firm and those overheads inevitably have to be passed on to the clients.

“BFS offered the funding and the support we needed and with their help we have been able to do develop further services, enabling clients to get everything they need under one roof, with two passionate creatives and at an affordable price.”

Since Daniel launched the business with co-owner Patricia Lopes earlier this year, the firm has gone on to secure 25 clients, including online tattoo supplies firm The Tattoo Shop and The Liars Club, a tropical-themed bar in Manchester.

Alex Mearns, a loan officer with BFS, commented: “Patricia and Daniel are at the forefront of a real trend in creative industries which is seeing talented and experienced people setting up and growing their own boutique design agencies.

“Thanks to services like Start Up Loans the funding is available to enable them to develop their own model and to offer top class services to clients of all sizes.”