Azule Finance was set up specifically to provide finance and leasing to people and businesses in the creative industries. At first our clients were mostly in the broadcast and media worlds, from sole trading freelancers to major production companies and studios. Since then, by word of mouth recommendations, we have gained clients in other industries including leisure and retail (shops, restaurants, hotels, sports clubs, golf courses), photographic and print (cameras, outside broadcast units, studios, digital reprographic and print houses) and lighting and sound (indoor studios, outdoor festivals, home recording, national theatre productions).

Raising money in these industries is often hard. Traditional lenders do not understand the businesses or how to assess the risks; off-the-shelf, standard leasing options don’t suit people who need to spread their risks or find alternative sources of cash. Caution rules; you end up with a raw deal – or no deal.

While working in other media finance companies, we realised that people in creative industries often need a creative approach to funding. We knew the risks involved and the potential business to be gained from taking those risks. It was easy for us then to understand the needs of businesses in other industries that are often shunned, or treated differently, by ordinary lenders.

We have also been in your position – borrowed for business reasons ourselves – and so have first-hand experience of the potential pitfalls, as well as the possible gains. You won’t get a hard-sell, this-is-all-there-is approach from us but well-informed, good-for-your-business options.

For several clients, it turned out that funding was not the only problem. Some needed tighter financial controls, interim management to get them back on track, or strategic advice on how to expand and develop their businesses. We provide that too.

We’ve been providing this professional, creative, flexible, broad-ranging service since September 2004. If you’d like to ask us how we could help you finance equipment or projects, or if you think you’d benefit from business, financial or management advice, do This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Azule Finance is a member of the NACBF (the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers).