French Duncan guidance sees Glasgow animation and visual effects studio go from strength to strength

Founded in 2000, the business creates content for some of the biggest names in video games, film, television, commercials and online entertainment.

Over the past 18 months, the company has diversified its offering to include feature-length animated movies and TV productions such as Mattel’s Welcome to Monster High and the Channel 4 and Netflix series Kiss Me First.

Michael McKiernan, head of finance at Axis Studios, hailed the contribution made by their accountants French Duncan during its period of growth, which is set to continue with the increasing in size of its studio in Glasgow’s Skypark – adding an additional 9,000 sq ft of space and taking on up to 40 new recruits, including designers, artists, animators, writers and producers.

As part of its ongoing growth, Axis has previously grown into Bristol and London and established three distinct brands under the banners Axis Animation, axisVFX Flaunt Productions – each serving different corners of the entertainment industry.

Mr McKiernan said: “These are very exciting times for Axis Studios: the business is going from strength to strength. We aim to continue along our growth trajectory, doing great work for our clients in existing markets while developing the size and scope of our team in Glasgow and our locations throughout the UK.

“Our accountants, French Duncan, have given us invaluable support during our recent growth. We see them as much more than our accountancy firm – they are a key partner for the business.”

Colin Abercrombie, partner at French Duncan, said: “Axis Studios is a business with a great story to tell and its growth reflects the strength and vibrancy of the creative media industry in Glasgow. Business expansions like this one can bring a host of opportunities as well as challenges and it has been a pleasure to work with the team at Axis to help them achieve their ambitions over the past 18 months. We look forward to working with them over the coming years as they continue their success in the sector.”