Barnsley marketing agency to hit £250k turnover in first year of trading

A Barnsley-based marketing agency has reported significant growth just eleven months after launching.

Walnut Creative, which specializes in marketing for the food services sector, is set to triple its expected first-year turnover. Initially setting a target of £70k, the agency is on track to hit £250k by the end of October.

Glen Crossland set up the company in November last year and won two contracts within his first week of trading. The agency offers design and web services as well marketing.

Glen moved into Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre at the beginning of 2016, taking on two members of staff.

Glen said: “I started out working on my own from my kitchen and never intended or expected the business to grow so quickly - but the opportunities came along and it would have been foolish not to take them.

“I spent five years in marketing roles within the food services industry, so already had a reputation and contacts to build upon, and we’ve quickly built a strong position in a niche sector thanks to our passion for what we do.”

Walnut Creative has received significant support from Launchpad, the startup and growth support service from Enterprising Barnsley. Launchpad is funded by the England European Regional Development Fund.

Launchpad has provided Walnut Creative with one-to-one advice on HR and business administration, and assisted with implementing project management systems.

Glen added: “There’s been so much to consider as we’ve moved forward so having access to Launchpad has been a huge help. Dealing with bigger clients brings big opportunities, but also big risks, so it’s great that we have that additional support to keep us on top of our game.

“Without the Digital Media Centre, we wouldn’t have been able to employ staff as quickly as we did, have a platform to grow, or take on work from other businesses in the centre.”

Glen is now looking to recruit another full time employee, to add to the three-strong team at the centre, and plans to move into larger office space within the building.

Enterprising Barnsley’s John Heckingbottom said: “It’s great to see Walnut Creative doing so well and gaining such a fantastic reputation within their industry.

“With the business less than a year old, and the team all under 30, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for the company. They’re a prime example of a company using the unique environment of the Digital Media Centre and the support we provide here to build a successful new business.”

The Digital Media Centre is a creative and digital business hub and part of a portfolio of business support and accommodation available through Enterprising Barnsley.