Six-figure package creates fresh expansion opportunity for creative agency

A Leeds-based advertising media company is targeting growth and creating further job opportunities, thanks to support from Lloyds Bank.

Founded in 1989, Live and Breathe is an independent marketing agency that offers services including strategy, creative, digital as well as content creation across video, motion graphics and photography to companies across the UK and globally.

The business has been banking with Lloyds Bank since 1990 and recently secured a £750,000 finance package, to invest in its long-term growth.

In 2020, Lloyds Bank supported Live and Breathe as it expanded its premises to bring more of its services in house, following increased demand during the pandemic, adding a content creation studio.

Since then, Live and Breathe has been able to attract new clients due to the convenience of having all its services under one roof, and its ability to produce higher-quality content.

Following this increase in demand, Live and Breathe once again approached Lloyds Bank for support after the retirement of one of the firm’s partners. This latest investment has also helped the company to grow through the creation of more permanent roles.

Additionally, the agency has taken the opportunity to invest in future talent by launching a summer internship scheme. This has seen its headcount nearly double in number – growing from 65 to 115 people.

As it plans for further expansion, the company is working on a rebrand to help bring together all of its services.

Matt Shaw, finance director, said: “While lockdown was a challenge for the agency, we were able to refocus our energy into growth strategies and are proud of the progress we have been able to make.

“The recent funding from Lloyds Bank has allowed us to invest in our team and as a result, we have been able to work more efficiently and grow our number of employees.

“The Bank’s support has allowed us to look towards the future and we are excited for the opportunities that are to come with the new roles in our agency and our upcoming rebranding.”

Allie Butterworth, relationship director of Lloyds Banking Group, added: “We are proud to be supporting an agency like Live and Breathe who are focused on their growth and development.

“The business has been able to offer more jobs to those seeking experience and expand their network to showcase different assets of their agency and provide tailored services to their clients.

“We’ll continue to be by the side of Live and Breathe and look forward to supporting similar businesses as they look to grow and expand in their journeys.”