Sticks & Glass In Leeds Secure WSL2 Contract And A Major Finance Yorkshire Investment

Leeds-based media firm Sticks & Glass secured its three-year WSL2 broadcasting contract because of its strong reputation and live production expertise. Following this win, the company secured a £250,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire. This funding will be used to hire experienced production staff needed to service the new contract.

Okay, so imagine a local company from Yorkshire, a real independent outfit, suddenly landing a massive deal to broadcast women's football. That's exactly what's happened in Leeds. A media production firm called Sticks & Glass just got a huge boost.

They've not only bagged a contract to show all the action from the Women's Super League 2, but they've also secured a big investment from Finance Yorkshire to help them do it. This is a pretty big story, not just for the company, but for the whole creative scene in the north.

What exactly is Sticks & Glass?

Right, let's break it down. Think about your favourite TV show or a live football match. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes to get that onto your screen. That’s where a media production firm like Sticks & Glass comes in. They're the experts who handle everything from filming to the final polish. Their work is split into three main areas:

• Production: This is the bit where they actually go out and film stuff. It involves skilled camera operators, sharp directors, and a whole team making sure they capture the best shots.
• Post-production: After filming, all the footage goes to the editors. This is where the magic happens. They cut it all together, add graphics, sound effects, and music to make it look slick. It's called 'post-production' because it happens after the main production. Sticks & Glass has world-class post-production facilities right in Leeds.
• Live Broadcasting: This is the really tricky one. It’s when you're watching something as it happens, like a football match or a big news event. There's no room for error. Sticks & Glass are specialists in this, which is a massive part of why they're such a big name in the industry.

They're not just any company; they're an independent business that has worked with some of the biggest broadcasters in the game, including the BBC and Channel 4. That tells you they're trusted to deliver top-quality work.

The game-changing WSL2 contract

Now for the really exciting news. Sticks & Glass has landed a three-year contract to be the host broadcaster for the Women's Super League 2. This is a huge deal. The WSL2 contract means they'll be responsible for the entire live broadcasting operation for the league. Every goal, every save, every dramatic moment – their team will be the ones capturing it for fans to watch. Being the 'host broadcaster' is a massive responsibility. It makes them the main team behind the TV coverage. For a company to win a multi-year contract like this shows just how good their reputation is. This isn't just a one-off job; it's a long-term partnership that puts the Leeds-based company at the forefront of sports broadcasting in the UK. The WSL2 contract is a proper signal that this independent company is playing in the big leagues.

A bit of help from Finance Yorkshire

So, how do you go about levelling up to handle such a massive project? You need a bit of financial firepower. On 17 Dec 2025, it was announced that Sticks & Glass secured a £250,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire. Finance Yorkshire is an organisation that provides funding to help businesses in the region grow. Their growth fund is specifically designed for companies that have big ambitions and just need that extra cash to make it happen. Think of it as a vote of confidence, but with money. This investment is a game-changer for Sticks & Glass.

What's the money for? It’s going directly into people. The company will be hiring more experienced production staff to build a top-tier team for their WSL2 operation. You can have the best cameras and editing suites in the world, but without the right talent, it means nothing. This investment ensures they have the best directors, editors, and technical crew to deliver flawless live broadcasting for the next three years. It’s a smart move that benefits both the company and the local creative industry.

The story behind the success in Leeds

Sticks & Glass wasn't an overnight success. It was founded back in 2018 by two guys, Adam Bennett and Martin Oliver. These two are veterans of the production world, with tons of experience as editors, directors, and camera operators. They've worked all over the world but decided that Yorkshire was the place to build their business. Why Leeds? The city has become a major hub for the digital media scene, especially after Channel 4 set up its national headquarters there. This created a ripple effect, attracting talent and businesses to the area. Adam Bennett explained their thinking:

"When Channel 4 moved to Leeds we decided to turbo charge the business and build a world class post-production facility in the city to secure the work we wanted."

He also added: "We are in a unique position in the market, offering production, post-production and live broadcasting expertise and facilities. Finance Yorkshire's investment has come at a great time for us and enables us to make senior hires to grow the business." It’s a classic story of spotting an opportunity and going for it. They built a top-class facility, and now they are reaping the rewards, positioning themselves as a true leader in the field.

What's next for Yorkshire's creative industry?

This news isn't just good for Sticks & Glass; it's brilliant for the whole of Yorkshire. It proves that companies outside of London can compete for and win major national contracts. Alex McWhirter, the chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, summed it up perfectly. He said: "The creative and digital media industry in Yorkshire is thriving and Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Sticks & Glass in cementing its place in the sector as a leader in production and post-production services through this investment." He continued:

"The winning of the WSL2 contract marks a new chapter for the company, providing other opportunities for live broadcasting across sport, entertainment and factual programming." This is the key takeaway. The WSL2 contract is just the beginning. The experience and reputation gained from this project could lead to more work in different areas, from live music events (entertainment) to documentaries (factual programming). This successful production venture strengthens the entire creative ecosystem in the region, making Yorkshire an even more attractive place for talent and investment. It's a proper win-win situation. The success of this media production firm is a testament to the skill and ambition brewing in the North.