SPI Selected as a Business Development Expert for Scotland's FOCUS Scheme

Olsberg•SPI has been selected to provide specialist business development support for Scotland's newly-established screen industry development initiative FOCUS. Aimed at ambitious Scottish companies producing film, TV or animation for broadcast or distribution, FOCUS is a pilot project organised by Film City Futures, in partnership with the Scottish Documentary Institute and funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, and the participating companies. It provides expert, sector-specific business support to screen production companies working in Scotland, with seven production companies selected in the first intake of the new programme.

Applications are now open for further companies. The selected companies are barry crerar, Black Camel Pictures, Bees Nees, Hopscotch Films, La Belle Allée Productions, Matchlight and Seventh Crow. SPI is one of three experts appointed to create a business development strategy for the companies.“These companies represent a broad mix of new and established companies across film and television, all with ambition for growth," Natalie Usher, Director of Screen at Creative Scotland, said. "Developed in consultation with the sector and funded in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, FOCUS is an exciting new initiative that will provide access to vital specialist business development support leading to a clear and resourced strategy for growth. Creative Scotland continues to be committed to working with partners to generate the conditions necessary to ensure the continued growth of Scotland’s screen sector.”Rebecca Thompson, Business Development Manager of FOCUS, said: “Olsberg•SPI is a world-leading international business consultancy firm, and we are delighted to be working with them on FOCUS. Not only do Olsberg•SPI bring exemplary expertise and knowledge to the project, but they also bring their own effective methodology, which ensures that each FOCUS participant will benefit from the wide range of skills within Olsberg•SPI’s team. We are confident that both Black Camel Pictures and Matchlight stand to greatly benefit from their input."