News 2006

RDF Media Group (RDF), the independent television production and distribution group, today announced the launch of IGNITE, an initiative targeted at emerging UK based businesses involved in the creation and exploitation of audiovisual content. Up to £2m will be made available to support the project.

IGNITE will offer a package of capital investment plus optional support services to early stage media companies. It is expected that IGNITE will invest in up to six companies over the next 24 months and that RDF will become a minority shareholder in each case, leaving the existing owners in control. IGNITE companies will be able to benefit from RDF’s proven track record in developing companies from small beginnings to valuable industry players.

IGNITE is managed by IWC Media’s Managing Director Sue Oriel in conjunction with RDF’s Corporate Development team, Jonny Slow and Charlie Campbell. Sue Oriel will join the board of any business invested in as a non-executive director and has been appointed Investment Director, IGNITE.

Sue Oriel said:

"RDF understands not only the content creation and distribution business but also what's needed to deliver sustained organic growth. The businesses RDF invests in via IGNITE will remain independent of RDF but they will be able to capitalise upon our management, investment and distribution skills."

Jonny Slow, RDF Corporate Development Director added:

“If you’re a talented, newly established, growing business involved in content creation there are few places you can go for funding of any kind. IGNITE has been established to meet this need at a time when technology is beginning to have an effect on the way visual content is distributed and viewed.”