Propeller have some amazing clients and we’re proud to support the work that they do. Here’s just one of them!
AWOL Adventure
The ONLY event-focused photo sharing platform.
Background
UCLan graduates Rich Burnett and Greg Goodall started trading as AWOL Adventure Ltd. in 2012 with co-owner and Matt Brocklehurst.
Seven years on, AWOL is the UK market leader in event photo technology, delivering over a million digital photos each year at mass participation sporting events (such as marathons and cycling events) through their photo sharing platform.
AWOL TV, their media production arm, creates a range of bespoke video content for businesses, charities and events worldwide, as well as providing expert press, commercial and sports photography.
How Propeller Helps
The AWOL Adventure team first came to Propeller seeking a solution to working remotely. Taking advantage of the communal atmosphere and access to facilities, co-owner Rich began hot-desking in the Propeller Hub.
The AWOL founders attribute the Propeller space to supporting their growth, saying that the chance to chat through ideas with others using the space, as well as having professional looking premises in which to conduct client meetings, helped them to grow much more rapidly.
“Propeller acted as a catalyst for our business. Moving from an isolated, remote-working situation to a professional office environment allowed us to invite clients and rub shoulders with like-minded individuals.
Being at Propeller was a springboard to develop and begin employing staff which has ultimately resulted in a fast-growing credible business with a very bright future.”
Recent Projects
In the first four years of trading, AWOL focused on developing its reputation and client base. Following the move into the Propeller Hub, the team was able to develop the company much more rapidly.
The team cover sporting events such as the Greater Manchester Marathon, Nuclear Obstacle Courses and recently projects alongside Human Race Events such as the Maserati Tour De Yorkshire and CRUK London Winter Run. Their platform provided all-encompassed marketing and promotion for the events, with advanced tagging, hosting, sales and reporting.
As the company grew, it became possible to establish full-time positions, allowing co-founder Greg to move from the East coast and for the company to set up their own office. In the last year, AWOL has purchased The Old Printworks, a two-floor studio in Kirkham, accommodating 6 full-time employees and another two remote workers.
What’s Next?
AWOL is currently in the throes of converting from a micro business to a fully-fledged SME, which involves the introduction of a great deal of process and resilience. Scaling up also requires a stable and productive sales process due to the dramatic increase in costs. As such, AWOL is currently taking on a range of new contracts on both sides of the business, which will put them in a position of strong growth by the end of the financial year.
In addition, Steve Simm has facilitated an introduction with John Law, research & commercial bid writer for the Faculty of Culture & Creative Industries, who is working with AWOL on the development of new commercial bids. There is also potential for collaboration with UCLan on future commercial projects and spin outs.
“In terms of event technology, our aim is to be the market leader worldwide across not just event photos but other segments of the event lifecycle.
In terms of media production, our aim is to become the most valued provider of media production and strategic communications in the industry.”
Find Out More
You can find out more about both arms of AWOL at their Event Tech and Media Production websites.
