Ahoy sets sights on growth following six figure investment and client wins

Manchester brand and web agency, Ahoy, is set to double its revenue over the next 12 months following a six-figure investment and a number of key client wins, including Kellogg’s and Kepak.

The studio has had a strong start to the year, having also just completed projects for young people’s mental health initiative MindSpace, and production company Female Union films, it says.

As a result of this increased growth, Ahoy is looking to grow its nine-person team to 15 in the next year.

This will be helped by a six-figure investment into the business from a private investor, which will go towards growing both the team and Ahoy’s service offering.

In addition to brand and web, the agency will be expanding into digital marketing services, including search and social.

Managing director Mark Stringer said: “After an office move to the city centre last autumn it’s been a non-stop start to the year for our team, with various new client wins and lots of great projects fizzing away in the studio.

“I had two options, either grow very slowly and cash-flow it ourselves, or grow quick and steady with investment and bring in a partner.”

Investor Gary Nixon said: “Having heard about the great work Ahoy does from several people over the past few years, I knew from the moment I met the team that this was a business I wanted to invest in.

“Ahoy is working with some brilliant clients on a number of landmark projects and the team are very ambitious, creative and perfectly placed for growth.

“The team has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries coming in at the moment so the money I am investing into the business will go towards expanding the team, as well as Ahoy’s additional service offering.”

He added: “The ultimate aim is to grow the team by an additional six people via acquisition or hire within the next 12 months and increase revenue by 100% as a result.

“I am confident that with this investment, Ahoy can begin on the path to become a leading agency in the North West.”