An award-winning film and media marketing company has been handed a funding boost from Stafford Borough Council to help them expand their business. 

Lilac Howell Films has received just short of £5,000 to help purchase new equipment which they hope will boost their offer to clients.    

The money has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is part of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda. 

The borough council was awarded one of the largest pots of money in the country from the government’s ‘UKSPF’ after successfully putting forward schemes to help regeneration, climate change and culture. 

Lilac Howell Films was founded in 2010 and is based on the outskirts of the county town - with a vision to find new ways of bringing digital communications, marketing and advertising services together to help their business clients grow.   

Using the ‘Rural Business to Business Grant’ the company wanted to purchase equipment to incorporate 360-degree video production to their package for businesses and public services. The move will provide an alternative to classroom and remote training, using VR goggles to make you feel you are actually there.  

Lilac Howell Managing Director, Steve Cranston, said the service would reduce their clients’ carbon footprint and they will be targeting the heavily regulated construction and engineering sectors that have significant training requirements.  

Steve continued: “We are grateful for this funding from the borough council which will help us to purchase camera equipment as well as other technological equipment to develop our service.”   

The company has won several industry awards for its work. 

Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “Our allocation was one of the highest that any district council was awarded and is further demonstration of the confidence the government has in us to deliver for our businesses. 

“There are so many exciting things planned, starting up or ongoing, in our borough and we are pleased to have been able to support Lilac Howell Films and I hope this funding will help them continue to grow. 

He added: “It is exciting to see advanced technology like this in use in a local business and I can’t wait to see the results from the high quality 360 video production that will enhance their offer to many other local businesses.” 

Press Release No 6067