Fly By Nite deal is music to Smith Cooper

WORCESTERSHIRE entertainment transport firm, Fly By Nite is set to build a bespoke arena-sized rehearsal space for touring bands at a new site after doubling the size of its fleet.

The Redditch-based business, established in 1990, transports production equipment for touring bands, theatre and exhibition companies to locations across the UK, Europe and North Africa. The firm now operates a fleet of 100 Daf trucks – more than double its vehicle capacity in 2009 – after securing new contracts with bands such as The Killers, Foo Fighters and Franz Ferdinand.

Following specialist tax support and business guidance from Smith Cooper in Birmingham, the firm is purchasing a four and a half acre site next to its current base on Shorebank Road, doubling the size of its property portfolio.

Here the business, which now employs 30 staff and another 140 drivers, is planning to develop and construct a full arena-size rehearsal studio space for bands to use before they go on tour.

The location of the new venue is thought to be ideal for touring companies to use for a full production rehearsal, with similar facilities currently only available in Wakefield and London.  

Carl Reed, director at Fly By Nite, said: “Our extensive industry experience and understanding of the challenges production firms face when transporting large amounts of equipment has resulted in significant growth for the business in the past four years.

“Purchasing this new site is the next step in the company’s growth strategy, and has presented us with a great opportunity to develop a comprehensive rehearsal space. A full production rehearsal can take up to five days, and this will enable us to offer an essential service to clients in a central location.

“It is an exciting time for the business and with the invaluable support provided by Smith Cooper we are looking forward to achieving our growth ambitions over the coming years.”  

Jeremy Cope, lead partner at Smith Cooper in Birmingham, said: “Fly By Nite is integral to the entertainment industry, and through hard work and professionalism the business has established a reputation as the country’s leading production equipment transportation firm.

“The opportunity to deliver a full size rehearsal space at the new site will allow the business to steal a march on its competitors and further enhance the services available to its clients. Our specialist advisory team has worked closely with Fly By Nite to help it develop and implement its growth plans, and the next 12 months will be an exciting time for the business.”