Trans-Sport Limited

Nottinghamshire media & broadcasting events contractor overcomes the effects of COVID-19 on the live event industry

Trans-Sport.tv (also known as Trans-Sport Limited) design, make and supply structures, sets and rigging to broadcast and media events industry clients who require peace of mind when they have an event deadline.

The family-owned business boasts a 30-year track record, and manufacture everything in- house with a vast stockholding of equipment using their own transport. This ultimately guarantees they can deliver a perfect event. Their manufacturing facilities include design and development from concept drawings through to manufacturing with in-house design technicians.

The business faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, when live events were cancelled along with supply chain and staffing issues. These issues uncovered a need to build a robust strategy for business growth, which is where the Manufacturing Growth Programme was able to assist.

Mark Taft Manufacturing Growth Manager for the D2N2 region supported the business with a free business diagnostic review and provided MGP grant funding to implement a business improvement project. The project was conducted by an external expert who developed a strategy to diversify the business, so during quieter periods the business could maximise sales opportunities in other markets.

The business has designed their strategy for growth and is focussed on implementing new activities to increase their chances of success. For example, the business has been

manufacturing stages and components that can be sold to boost their turnover. During the pandemic, the business was contracted with making bespoke safety screens for workplaces including outside broadcast trucks and offices.

Mark commented, “The business through no fault of their own has been heavily impacted by COVID-19 along with many other businesses in the events sector. It has been crucial that they realign their strategy for stability and growth and

look at other areas of diversification to manage the business through this challenging period.”

During 2021, Trans-Sport Limited has gone from strength to strength winning contracts to develop set manufacturing and installation contracts for TV broadcast programmes such as Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win, and the game show Quizness. They have also been retained by the BBC special events team to cover all Royal events at short notice. They are also the supplier of choice to the BBC Antiques Roadshow. Their staff even got to appear on the show when audience numbers were limited!

Furthermore, Trans-Sport Limited has increased their manufacturing capability by investing in a new forklift truck to increase their speed and capacity within their warehouse. The business has increased their staff levels by 4 FTE, and predict a 5% increase in turnover, they are currently trading at their pre-covid levels of trade and have an enhanced appetite for further growth.

Helen Cope, Director of Trans-Sport Limited stated, “The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) team are so very helpful and the process is really very straightforward. If your business has a genuine desire for manufacturing growth then go for it!”