Datum Creative Media (DCM)
Intelligent Cashflow powers creative expansion
Issued on 02/06/2025
Datum Creative Media (DCM)
Based in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, Datum Creative Media (DCM) is a full-service creative agency offering branding, design, digital and managed print services. Founded in 1986 as Datumpress Limited, the business has evolved far beyond its print origins. DCM’s team of nine serves an impressive client base including Royal Bank of Canada, Swatch, Bollinger and Leica Camera. New business comes primarily through word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the trust clients place in their expertise.
The challenge
Investec’s system extracts our ledger data directly from Xero, saving us hours each month. It takes out a lot of the legwork because they can see our figures live. If a project worth a few hundred thousand pounds comes our way, we wouldn’t have to stress about it –there’d be no sleepless nights. It’s something we could take on confidently with Investec’s backing.
Scott Pearce, Datum Creative Media
In 2020, DCM made an important strategic move, outsourcing print production while expanding into a full suite of creative and digital services, improving margins and widening its client reach. Following a relocation to new premises and the acquisition of a neighbouring creative agency in 2022, the business required stronger financial support and a personalised service to fuel its next phase of growth. The increasing demand for large-scale projects, some valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds, naturally put pressure on DCM’s cash flow. Despite clients honouring standard 30-day payment terms, the significant upfront investments required for large projects resulted in short-term working capital constraints, limiting DCM’s ability to scale rapidly.
Situational analysis
Having outgrown both its previous financing facility and lender relationship, DCM needed a funding partner that understood its business model and long-term goals. They required more than just competitive rates; they needed a responsive lender that could integrate directly with their accounting package to save administrative time. To support this search, DCM turned to specialist broker Open InVoice Finance. The founder of the brokerage, John Dodsworth, conducted a detailed market review to identify potential funding partners whose capabilities aligned with DCM’s expansion strategy.
Solution
Open Invoice Finance completed a thorough analysis and created a compelling proposal that clearly and accurately presented DCM’s business case. The company then evaluated several competitive options with John Dodsworth’s guidance before selecting Investec from the shortlist.
Investec met face-to-face with DCM to understand the business in depth, structuring a confidential invoice discounting facility that not only refinanced the previous funding arrangement but provided additional headroom to support sustainable growth.
DCM was especially drawn to Investec’s Intelligent Cashflow platform, which integrates directly with Xero, automatically extracting data and eliminating manual reconciliation tasks.
What truly set us apart was our personalised approach to client relationships. We established a genuine partnership with DCM, going beyond providing working capital to open doors to networking opportunities and deliver ongoing support.
Six months into the partnership, DCM’s co-founder shared that he was delighted with the smooth operation of the facility, with minimal oversight required.
Unlike the experience we had with our previous lender, with Investec, I feel like there’s a trusted person on the other end of the phone. Whereas before it felt like an impersonal interaction, now we can pick up the phone to discuss opportunities as they arise. Whenever I’ve emailed the team, I’ve received a reply within minutes rather than hours – they’ve been incredibly responsive to our needs.
Scott Pearce, Datum Creative Media
Results
WithInvestec’sfundingsolutioninplace,DCMisnow positionedtoexecuteitsambitiousgrowthstrategyand takeonhigher-valueprojectswithconfidence.Theflexible workingcapitalsupportsthecompany’sambitiousfiveyearplantargeting15-20%annualexpansion.Theyare alreadyontrackwithyear-onetargetsfullyachieved.
Investec’sautomatedtechnologyplatformhassignificantly reducedadmintime,freeingtheteamtofocusonclient deliveryandbusinessgrowth.
Lookingahead,thispartnershipenablesDCMtopursue opportunitiesthatwerepreviouslyoutofreach,including projectswithlargercorporateclients.Thereduced administrativeburdenandimprovedcashflow position thecompanytoinvestmoreresourcesincreative talent andinnovation–thecorestrengthsthathavedriven DCM’sevolutionfromaprintcompanytoafull-service creativeagency.
Contact
investec.com/workingcapital workingcapital@investec.com
020 7597 5936
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