A DERBYSHIRE firm that has provided outside broadcast services to the Olympics, Question Time and the British Touring Car Championships is relocating after a year of growth.
Ripley firm Cloudbass is shifting its operation to Bradley Park, on Codnor Gate Industrial Estate, in a move that will more than double the amount of space it has.
Now in its 10th year of operation, the business has had one of its most successful periods in the past 12 months. During this time, it has taken on 10 people, taking the head count up to 30.
The new base will offer 27,000 sq ft of space to allow it to expand further.
As well as having worked on the Olympic opening ceremony this year, the business provides broadcasting services and crew for football matches, ranging from academy games to top flight Premier League matches, as well as motorsport.
The company has a dedicated broadcast graphics department based at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, and has helped cover the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the FIM Speedway Grand Prix and World Cup.
The business also provides services to Manchester United and Liverpool FC's dedicated television channels. It works with all major broadcasters, including Sky, ITV and the BBC.
Business manager Alistair Clark said: "This year, we have experienced aggressive growth and so simply needed more space.
"We have probably taken on about 10 people this year, which means we're up to 30.
"Logistically, being in the Midlands works for us because we could be in Southampton one week and Aberdeen the next."
Chris Wright, of Iron Gate commercial property agent BB&J, acted on behalf of landlord PMW Property for the deal. He said: "They were very clear about what sort of property they wanted and it helped that the landlord understood the market and was prepared to be flexible.
"That meant that the deal was concluded within about five or six weeks."
The Codnor Gate Industrial Estate has undergone a minor renaissance since the departure of aerospace firm Airfoil Technologies International.
That business closed with the loss of 140 jobs but the space it vacated was bought by Derbyshire developer PMW Property.
It invested about £3.5 million in winter 2010 to purchase the freehold, carry out wholesale refurbishment work and rechristen the area Bradley Park. Mr Wright said: "There is 90% occupancy at Bradley Park, with only one unit available and one becoming available soon.
"Over 100,000 sq ft has been let since we started marketing two years ago and there are some strong inquiries, showing that the area has dynamic businesses."
FHP is a joint agent on Bradley Park.
