Stage One Creative Services
Stage One Creative Services is a UK-based bespoke fabrication and engineering company serving enterprise clients across ceremonies, music and entertainment, luxury brand activations, art installations, and broadcast. Founded in 1982, it delivers projects in 46+ countries using in-house CAD, 5-axis CNC, 3D printing, scenic fabrication, and proprietary Qmotion automation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersYork, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Stage One Creative Services does
Stage One Creative Services is a UK-based manufacturing and engineering company that delivers high-end bespoke fabrication projects for the creative industries. Founded in 1982 through the merger of Stage One Creative Services Ltd and Hangar Services Ltd, the company operates from a multi-workshop headquarters in Tockwith, North Yorkshire (Hangar 88, Marston Business Park), and a regional operations office in Abu Dhabi supporting GCC country delivery. Its core capabilities span CAD design, structural engineering (to Eurocodes, Machinery Directive, and Stage Engineering Standards), large-volume 5-axis CNC machining, large-format HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing, precision metal work, intricate joinery, high-end scenic painting, rigging, staging, cable net structures, and the proprietary Qmotion aerial motion-control and automation system for kinetic and flying elements.
The company serves enterprise clients across five primary segments: ceremonies and major events (London 2012 Olympics, PyeongChang 2018, Commonwealth Games 2022, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Westminster Abbey Coronation of King Charles III, UAE National Day); music and entertainment (Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour, Adele BST Hyde Park, Eurovision, ITV's The Voice and Dancing on Ice); brand activations and luxury brands (Johnnie Walker Princes Street with BRC Imagination Arts, Karl Lagerfeld Regent Street, Bulgari at Saatchi Gallery, Porsche Taycan Experience, Selfridges, Google Beach at Cannes Lions); art and architectural installations (Serpentine Pavilions since 2009, Tomás Saraceno's Cloud Cities, Wolfgang Buttress's The Hive); and broadcast and theatre. It has delivered projects in more than 46 countries, with a portfolio exceeding 500 projects and individual installations comprising up to 169,300 precision components.
Revenue is generated primarily through bespoke, project-based fabrication fees, supplemented by kit hire of proprietary stage machinery and engineering/design consultancy. Pricing is project-specific and not publicly disclosed; budgets range from modest installations to multi-million pound productions. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales driven by reputation, case studies, and direct inbound project inquiries, with no intermediaries, resellers, or outbound prospecting, and is supported by organic social, a curated project portfolio on the company website, and an email newsletter.
Stage One Creative Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stage One Creative Services
- Legal name
- Stage One Ltd.
- Website
- https://stageone.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Stage One Creative Services is a UK-based bespoke fabrication and engineering company serving enterprise clients across ceremonies, music and entertainment, luxury brand activations, art installations, and broadcast. Founded in 1982, it delivers projects in 46+ countries using in-house CAD, 5-axis CNC, 3D printing, scenic fabrication, and proprietary Qmotion automation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stage One Creative Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bespoke Fabrication & Event Engineering Services
- NAICS
- Performing Arts Companies (7111), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190)
- SIC
- Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Scenic Fabrication & Set/Stage Carpentry (MPAGAKAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Event Fabrication & Scenic/Set Build (Custom Builds, Installations) (BPAFAGAK), Event Technical Production Management & Crew (MPAGAKAH), Staging & Rigging Services (MPAGAKAA), Staging, Scenic & Set Fabrication (Stages, Backdrops, Scenic Builds) (THAHAEAC)
Keywords
Where Stage One Creative Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- York
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Stage One Creative Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Bespoke Fabrication Services: Project-based custom fabrication of bespoke structures, sets, installations, and experiences for creative industries. Revenue is generated through one-time project fees based on complexity, materials, and scope of work.
- Kit Hire: Rental of proprietary equipment and stage machinery to clients for temporary installations and events.
- Engineering and Design Consultancy: Technical consulting services for design development, structural engineering, and project planning.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Stage One Creative Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stage One Creative Services is a manufacturing and engineering company that delivers high-end bespoke fabrication projects for the creative industries. The company handles end-to-end delivery — from concept design and structural engineering through CNC machining, 5-axis fabrication, scenic painting and on-site installation — for ceremonies, live events, touring sets, brand activations, pavilions and large-scale art installations. Core offerings also include the proprietary Qmotion aerial motion control and automation system used to fly performers and kinetic set pieces, plus kit hire of stage machinery to third-party productions.
Product overview
Stage One Creative Services is a manufacturing and engineering company that delivers high-end bespoke fabrication projects for creative industries. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services including proprietary Qmotion aerial motion control systems, large-format 3D printing (HP MJF), 5-axis CNC machining, scenic fabrication, sculpture, rigging, staging, cable net structures, automation, kit hire, consultancy, and end-to-end production. Their multidisciplinary capabilities span ceremonies, art installations, brand activations, experimental architecture, environments and experiences, music and entertainment, pavilions, theatre, and TV/film productions. The company operates from facilities in Tockwith, North Yorkshire and Abu Dhabi, with projects delivered in over 46 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Qmotion: Aerial operating system used for controlling and maneuvering flown elements in creative performances and installations.
Products and services
- Scenic Fabrication
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivered projects in 46+ countries across six continents
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Stage One Creative Services
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Stage One Creative Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Stage One Creative Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- BRC Imagination ArtscoreLong-standing partnership with BRC Imagination Arts, the world-renowned brand experience company. Stage One has been an integral partner in delivering major BRC projects including the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience in Edinburgh (eight-floor brand home) and renovation projects for Caol Ila and Talisker distilleries on the Scottish whisky coast. Stage One provides fabrication, automation, joinery, scenic painting, and end-to-end production capabilities for BRC's immersive brand experiences.
- 59 Productions LtdcorePartnership with 59 Productions for Unboxed 2022, a UK-wide celebration of creativity. Stage One consulted on video tower designs and subsequently produced and toured all 18 video towers for the About Us installation, providing prototype development, test builds, and installation support across six tour locations including the opening ceremony in Paisley.
- OMCC (Office for Micro-Climate Cultivation)minorCollaboration with OMCC for the Vert installation at London Design Festival 2024. OMCC served as urban greening specialists, spending two days at Stage One facilities planting climbing plants in pre-grown beds for the sustainable timber pavilion.
- Diez OfficeminorIndustrial design practice collaborating on the Vert sustainable pavilion installation at London Design Festival 2024. Diez Office contributed design expertise alongside AHEC and OMCC for the 10m tall modular timber pavilion made of 80% renewable materials.
- Es Devlin StudiocoreFabrication partner for renowned artist Es Devlin's major installations including CONGREGATION (seven-tier portrait installation with projection mapping) and Come Home Again (Cartier-commissioned choral sculpture at Tate Modern). Stage One provides the engineering and manufacturing expertise to realize Devlin's ambitious artistic visions.
- Balich Wonder StudiocorePartnership with Marco Balich's studio for major international ceremonies. Collaborated on the Whale Shark installation (20-tonne, 30m long fabricated steel structure) for Qatar World Cup celebrations, created for the Lusail development and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
- Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (Qatar)corePartnership with Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy on World Cup-related installations including the Whale Shark art installation celebrating the Lusail development and raising awareness of endangered whale sharks.
- UKTI (UK Trade & Investment)corePartnership with UKTI for The Hive Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 (UK Pavilion). Stage One manufactured and installed the intricate 169,300-component structure designed by Wolfgang Buttress with architects BDP, creating the UK's contribution to the world expo.
- Theaster Gates StudiocoreFabrication partnership for Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates' Black Chapel Serpentine Pavilion 2022. Stage One delivered the most voluminous Serpentine Pavilion to date (16m wide x 10m tall) with sustainably sourced materials and highest finish quality.
- Wolfgang Buttress / BDPcoreLong-standing partnership with artist Wolfgang Buttress and architects BDP, dating back to The Hive Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 and extending to The Hive installation at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Stage One serves as the technical fabrication partner translating Buttress's organic, nature-inspired designs into buildable structures.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Stage One Creative Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ShowTex: Manufacturer and supplier of scenic fabrics, projection screens, and stage drapery for live events. Overlaps with Stage One in scenic and theatrical set elements for concerts, ceremonies, and broadcast.
- Prolyte Group: Manufacturer of staging, trussing, and rigging systems for the live events industry. Comparable provider of structural staging and rigging hardware used in concerts and ceremonies.
- Tait Technologies: Stage automation, kinetic scenery, and rigging specialist for live entertainment and touring productions. Direct competitor in stage machinery, automation, and tour-ready scenic systems — overlapping significantly with Stage One's Qmotion and rigging offerings.
- Stufish Entertainment Architects: Architects and designers of entertainment structures and theatrical environments for shows, concerts, and ceremonies. Closely comparable bespoke set/scenic design and engineering firm serving the same marquee global events market as Stage One.
- WIcreations: Engineering and fabrication specialist for live events, ceremonies, and touring productions across Europe. Comparable bespoke fabrication, automation, and staging services for major entertainment clients.
Broad incumbents
- Hawthorn: UK-based technical production and event services company for corporate and live events. Overlaps with Stage One in event fabrication and production support, though typically serving a more corporate-events client base.
- PRG (Production Resource Group): Global provider of entertainment and event production services including staging, rigging, automation, and scenic elements. Larger, broader incumbent with significant overlap in ceremony and live event production support.
- Weta Workshop: Design and fabrication studio specialising in film, entertainment, and immersive experiences. Comparable bespoke scenic and prop fabrication at scale, with broader portfolio spanning film, theme parks, and museum installations.
Emerging players
- 59 Productions: Creative studio producing video, design, and immersive installation work for cultural and live events. Existing partner of Stage One (Unboxed 2022) — overlapping in delivering immersive ceremonial and cultural installations.
Others
- Charcoalblue: Theatre and performance venue design consultancy. Adjacent in theatre and performance space design, often involved in the conceptual/specification phase of projects where Stage One handles fabrication.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Stage One Creative Services social profiles
Digital presenceStage One Creative Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stage One Creative Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Stage One Creative Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stage One Creative Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stage One Creative Services
What does Stage One Creative Services do?
Stage One Creative Services is a manufacturing and engineering company that delivers high-end bespoke fabrication projects for the creative industries. The company handles end-to-end delivery — from concept design and structural engineering through CNC machining, 5-axis fabrication, scenic painting and on-site installation — for ceremonies, live events, touring sets, brand activations, pavilions and large-scale art installations. Core offerings also include the proprietary Qmotion aerial motion control and automation system used to fly performers and kinetic set pieces, plus kit hire of stage machinery to third-party productions.
Is Stage One Creative Services a public or private company?
Stage One Creative Services is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Stage One Creative Services founded?
Stage One Creative Services was founded in 1982. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Stage One Creative Services based?
Stage One Creative Services is headquartered in York, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Stage One Creative Services make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Bespoke Fabrication Services are the primary driver. The others are kit Hire and engineering and Design Consultancy.
Who are Stage One Creative Services's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ShowTex, Prolyte Group, Tait Technologies, Stufish Entertainment Architects and WIcreations. Broad incumbents are Hawthorn, PRG (Production Resource Group) and Weta Workshop. 59 Productions is listed as an emerging player. Charcoalblue is listed as an others.
Does Stage One Creative Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stage One Creative Services.
What industry is Stage One Creative Services in?
Stage One Creative Services's product category is Bespoke Fabrication & Event Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGAKAG, Scenic Fabrication & Set/Stage Carpentry, with a secondary code of BPAFAGAK, Event Fabrication & Scenic/Set Build (Custom Builds, Installations). Its NAICS code is 7111 and its SIC code is 7819.