Tuning Into Growth: Longwave Digital Scales Up With Start Up Loan Support
A Leeds-based digital production company has secured a five-figure sum Start Up Loan delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund. The funding is set to enhance marketing efforts and help scale a growing creative business with a high-profile client base.

Founded by sound engineer and music graduate Richard Middleton in January 2023, Longwave Digital began as an extension of Richard’s freelance work editing video podcasts. Now a fully-fledged limited company with a growing team, Longwave provides bespoke production services tailored to creators, offering everything from editing to sound design to distribution.
After gaining traction through retained freelance clients and organic growth, Richard saw an opportunity to take Longwave to the next level-but needed business guidance and funding support to get there. A friend recommended he speak with AD:VENTURE, where he connected with advisor Keith, who helped him access two rounds of grant funding.
These initial grants helped Longwave invest in key infrastructure, including professional monitors, recording equipment, marketing spend, and resources for a new hire. But as the company has grown and taken on larger, more complex projects, cashflow management, talent acquisition, and marketing have became top priorities.
Through AD:VENTURE, Richard was referred to BEF, where he worked with investment manager Julie Micklethwaite to secure a Start Up Loan. The funding allowed Longwave to revamp its website, run targeted Instagram ads to attract new talent, and invest in SEO to boost discoverability-key tools in reaching both creators and brands alike.
“Working with Richard has been a pleasure. He has a clear vision, strong creative roots, and the drive to grow something impactful. Longwave Digital is exactly the kind of business the Start Up Loans programme is designed to support.”
Julie Micklethwaite, investment manager at BEF
“It’s been fantastic to see Richard take Longwave Digital from a freelance operation to a thriving creative business with big-name clients. His passion and willingness to learn made him a great fit for the support we offer, and we’re proud to have played a part in helping him set the foundations for long-term success.”
Keith Evans at AD:VENTURE
“The Start Up Loan gave us the flexibility to invest in areas that were crucial for our next stage of growth-our website, marketing, and attracting new talent. It’s allowed us to move forward with confidence and build the business in a more strategic, sustainable way.”
Richard Middleton, Founder of Longwave Digital
Longwave has now landed the top three dream clients they originally set out to work with, including household-name podcasts such as The Diary of a CEO. That momentum is now fuelling the next phase: moving into the brand and business content space, offering a productised version of their services to help companies build engaging digital identities and shows of their own.