Film and TV Company Grows Business and Invests in Fleet
Above Image: Hannah Pearson of Vanaways, left, with Jaimie Sawyer of AGS Group
A West London automotive solutions company is targeting major growth with a newly-launched service for the film and TV sector, as the global industry looks to recover from recent challenges.
AGS Film and TV has already turned over £440,000 in just four months of operating and is aiming for £2m turnover this year.
The business supplies vehicles and trucks to the film and television industry – a combination of self-drive hire for private use or with drivers, as well as the support vehicles needed to move crews, equipment and production sets.
The division – part of the £45m turnover, Heathrow-based AGS Group – has provided more than 200 vehicles to support production of 17 films over the past three months.
Newly-appointed account manager Jaimie Sawyer will be a key element of continuing to grow AGS Film and TV threefold next year, reaching a target of £10m turnover by the end of 2026.
After the impact of Covid-19 and industrial action in the US, the UK film and TV industry saw inward investment fall by 49% from 2022 to £3.11bn in 2023 – two thirds of which was spent on high-end TV and the remainder on international feature films.
However with major new productions in the pipeline for both film and TV, those in the supply chain are hoping for positive results over coming months and years.
Boosted by contracts with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount and Sony production studios, AGS expects its new division to grow rapidly as the industry grows again in the UK.
To support the growth AGS has been supported with the prompt supply of vehicles, most recently facilitated by Hannah Pearson of Vanaways.
The innovative Bristol-based broker has supplied 29 vehicles to support the ongoing demand, including Peugeot E-2008s, Ford Transit and Iveco Daily dropsides, with a mixture of Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger Wildtraks.
AGS is also introducing further hybrid Toyota Hilux to its fleet, due to be delivered to its premises in Sipson, near Heathrow, towards the end of the year as the new model phases into the UK.
“We’ve quickly been able to acquire the fleet that we needed,” said Ms Sawyer. “There’s a huge opportunity to grow this side of our business given the films and series which are due to be made in the UK and Europe over coming months and years.
“Like many disruptive companies we’re able to offer a premium service based on experience and established connections throughout the industry – providing our clientele with a vast choice and rapid delivery, based on contacts and buying power.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with Vanaways as our new venture continues to grow –Hannah and her team have impressed us with their dedication and service, and their fluidity of stock is exactly what we need.”
Vanaways is itself undergoing spectacular current growth, having moved into new offices in Ham Green near the M5 at Bristol early last year.
Company turnover has risen dramatically in the past year, leading to an entry at 60 on The Sunday Times Hundred list of the UK’s fastest-growing companies.
The business is on track to deliver sales on more than 6,000 vehicles in 2024.
Working with a vast network of suppliers across the UK, the company offers free delivery with a digitalised sales process which enables quick fulfilment of the customer’s fleet needs.
Ms Pearson said: “I thoroughly enjoy working alongside Jaimie and fellow colleagues throughout AGS Film and TV and the wider group, supporting their growth ambitions in such a fast-paced, and dynamic company.
“I know that businesses can become frustrated by the lack of available vehicle supply. Our business model is aimed at removing that obstacle by providing a bespoke and tailored solution fit for our customers’ fleet aspirations. “I will continue to support AGS and its operation as the industry looks to work with the most responsive businesses in their industries.”
