Inspired by Film and Video, a fast‑growing creative production company, turned to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to overcome two strategic barriers holding back their next stage of growth. What followed was a transformation that strengthened their technical capability, boosted their online visibility, and opened the door to major new opportunities.

Before applying for the grant, the company faced two pressing needs.
First, their drone qualified team, already made up of four trained and accredited staff, were increasingly being asked for deeper, more advanced competencies that exceeded legal minimum requirements. Many clients were specifically seeking pilots with the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC), a credential that would allow the company to compete for more complex aerial filming work.

Second, the business needed to improve the performance of its website. While Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) was essential for increasing visibility and attracting leads, budget limitations meant that ongoing third‑party support was not sustainable. A cost‑effective, skills‑focused solution was needed.

The UKSPF grant enabled Inspired by Film and Video to invest in both drone training and SEO development in a financially low risk, high impact way.

The additional drone training and accreditation were fully supported, removing any financial hesitation and allowing the company to upskill without risk. Meanwhile, SEO training equipped the team with the knowledge and confidence to improve and maintain their website performance independently, removing reliance on external agencies and keeping long‑term costs down.

The results have been significant and immediate. Since achieving their advanced drone accreditation, Inspired by Film and Video has seen a sharp increase in drone‑based contracts. At the same time, improvements to their website have led to a noticeable rise in inbound leads.

One standout success came when they were discovered online by an American production company creating a travel documentary for CBS in Manchester. Their new A2CofC qualification gave the company a competitive edge, ultimately helping them secure the project and enabling professional drone filming in central Manchester, something that would not have been possible without the advanced accreditation.

When asked about the funding process, the company described it as “nice and simple,” highlighting the accessibility of the grant and the ease of working with the Skills Hub.

Inspired by Film and Video now confidently recommend the training grant to other businesses, noting the tangible benefits from both the drone and SEO programmes.