Blueprint Studios Ltd
Blueprint Studios Ltd is a Manchester-based commercial recording studio founded in 2002, operating three studio spaces in a converted Victorian Mission building to deliver analog/digital hybrid recording, mixing, mastering, audiobook production, and filming location services to major recording artists, publishers, and broadcast clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersManchester, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Blueprint Studios Ltd does
Blueprint Studios Ltd is a Manchester-based commercial recording studio operating from a converted 19th-century Victorian Mission building at Elizabeth House, 39 Queen Street, Salford/Manchester (M3 7DQ). Founded in February 2002 by Ian Stewart and Tim Thomas — who met while studying Audio Production at Spirit Studios in September 1999 — with Gary Hadfield joining in 2004, the company operates three primary studio spaces: Studio One (a tracking, writing, and mixing room centered around a 36-channel Neve VR Legend console sourced from Tokyo), Studio Two (an intimate vocal, audiobook, and overdub studio with classic analogue outboard), and The Big Room (a 242m², 22m×11m space with 8–11m ceilings capable of accommodating a symphony orchestra for recording, events, and filming). The studio officially opened on 6 May 2003 with 5 rehearsal rooms and has continued operating at the same location for over 20 years.
The company's technical platform is a hybrid analog/digital recording stack. It combines Pro Tools HDX with extensive vintage outboard from API, Avalon, Universal Audio, Tubetech, and Manley; a comprehensive microphone collection spanning AKG, Neumann, Sennheiser, Shure, Brauner, Coles, Blue Kiwi, and Electrovoice RE20; and rare instruments and amplifiers including a Ludwig Super Classic (1971), Hayman Vibrasonic (1973), Moog Sub 37, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Roland Juno 60, Hammond B2 with Leslie, Fender Twin Reverb, Marshall Plexi, and Vox AC30. The studio explicitly positions analog signal chains and human producer expertise as its differentiators, describing technology as 'an instrument, not a crutch.'
Blueprint Studios monetizes through project-based studio time rentals, professional recording/mixing/mastering services delivered by its three named in-house producers, audiobook production for publishers including Audible, Bonnier Books, and Verity Productions, and filming location rentals to broadcast and production clients including BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Go-to-market is sales-led via direct contact (phone +44 (0)161 817 2524, email [email protected], website) with no paid advertising and no publicly disclosed pricing — bookings are quote-based. Customer segments span established major-label artists (Elbow, Johnny Marr, Paul Heaton, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Smokey Robinson, Damon Albarn, Duran Duran, One Direction, Bjork, Mark Ronson, The Wanted, Hot Chip, Jessie J, Emeli Sande, One Republic, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Aitch), emerging talent, audiobook publishers, and film/TV production teams. The company is a privately held UK limited company (company number 05164343), founder-owned with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or subsidiaries, and serves the England market exclusively.
Blueprint Studios Ltd firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blueprint Studios Ltd
- Legal name
- Blueprint Studios Ltd
- Website
- https://blueprint-studios.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Blueprint Studios Ltd is a Manchester-based commercial recording studio founded in 2002, operating three studio spaces in a converted Victorian Mission building to deliver analog/digital hybrid recording, mixing, mastering, audiobook production, and filming location services to major recording artists, publishers, and broadcast clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blueprint Studios Ltd industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Recording Studio Services
- NAICS
- Sound Recording Studios (512240), Sound Recording Studios (51224)
- SIC
- Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Recording Studios (Commercial, Project, Mobile) (MPAIAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Rehearsal & Pre-Production Studios (Rehearsal Rooms, Backline) (MPAIAHAK), Music Producers & Production Teams (MPAIAHAB), Production Management & Studio Support Services (Studio Managers, Techs) (MPAIAHAO)
Keywords
Where Blueprint Studios Ltd is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Manchester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Blueprint Studios Ltd business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Studio Time Rentals: Rental of recording studio spaces including Studio One, Studio Two, and The Big Room for recording, pre-production, and events
- Recording, Mixing and Mastering Services: Full-service audio production including recording, mixing, and mastering with experienced producers
- Audiobook Production: Audiobook production services for publishers including Audible, Bonnier Books, Verity Productions
- Filming Location Rental: Studio spaces used as filming locations for music videos, documentaries, television dramas, live concerts, and product launches
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Blueprint Studios Ltd product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blueprint Studios Ltd operates a multi-studio recording complex housed in a converted 19th-century Victorian Mission building in Manchester. The studio offers recording, mixing, mastering, pre-production, audiobook production, and filming location services across three principal spaces — Studio One (main tracking room with Neve VR Legend console), Studio Two (intimate overdub/vocal studio), and The Big Room (large orchestra-capable recording and event space). Three in-house producers (Ian Stewart, Tim Thomas, Gary Hadfield) deliver artist-facing production services to major international acts and emerging talent.
Product overview
Blueprint Studios Ltd operates a multi-studio recording complex offering a portfolio of interconnected audio production services. The core offering consists of Studio One (main tracking room with Neve VR Legend console), Studio Two (intimate overdub/vocal studio), and The Big Room (large-scale recording and event space). These physical studios are supported by recording, mixing, mastering, pre-production, and filming location services. Three named producers—Ian Stewart, Tim Thomas, and Gary Hadfield—provide artist-facing production expertise. The company positions itself as a hybrid studio combining traditional analogue equipment with modern digital workflows.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Studio One Main tracking, writing, and mixing room centered around a 36-channel Neve VR Legend console sourced from Tokyo. Links directly to seven unique-sounding live spaces. Handles major recording projects including full albums for major artists.
- Studio Two Intimate studio ideal for one-on-one work such as vocal recording, audiobooks, overdubs, and in-the-box mixing. Features a dedicated vocal booth and classic analogue outboard from API, Avalon, Universal Audio, and Tubetech.
- The Big Room Blueprint's largest recording, pre-production, and event space at 22m x 11m (242m²) with 8-11m ceiling height. Accommodates a large symphony orchestra. Features Allen & Heath QU 32 console and Yamaha C3 Baby Grand. Serves as filming location for music videos, documentaries, TV dramas, live concerts, and product launches.
- Recording Services Professional recording services set within a converted 19th-century Victorian Mission, offering diverse sonically distinct spaces with warm acoustics, world-class equipment, and experienced producers for major recording projects.
- Mixing Services Hybrid mixing approach combining in-the-box digital work with the transformative qualities of analogue equipment and hands-on faders, intended to bring life and movement to every mix.
- Mastering Services Final-stage audio mastering including level and tone correction, track sequencing, spacing between tracks, and placement of track markers and codes for replication and broadcast.
- Audiobook Production Professional audiobook production services for publishers including Audible, Bonnier Books, and Verity Productions, led by producer Ian Stewart with credits featuring Sir Chris Hoy, Cel Spellman, Louise Minchin, and Professor Max McKeown.
- Filming Location Services Filming location rental using 15 individually designed spaces across 3 floors for music videos, documentaries, television dramas, live concerts, and product launches. Used by BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.
- Pre-production Services Pre-production facilities used by artists for songwriting development and rehearsal, leveraging The Big Room's size, sound, and accessibility.
Quantifiable outcome
- Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott's 'Manchester Calling' reached number one album status
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Blueprint Studios Ltd
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Blueprint Studios Ltd technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Blueprint Studios Ltd partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Heart & Graft Coffee RoasteryminorCoffee supplier providing fresh coffee for studio staff and visitors. Staff are barista trained to serve coffee to clients.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Blueprint Studios Ltd competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Abbey Road Studios: Iconic London recording studio offering world-class recording, mixing, and mastering with legendary analogue equipment and history. Directly comparable as a premium UK recording studio serving major international artists, with similar hybrid analogue/digital workflows and producer-driven service model.
- RAK Studios: Long-established independent London recording studio featuring multiple acoustically distinct rooms, vintage equipment, and an event/filming offering. Comparable to Blueprint as a boutique UK studio combining analogue heritage, multiple spaces, and artist-focused production services.
- Real World Studios: Peter Gabriel's recording complex in Box, Wiltshire, offering multiple acoustically designed rooms, a live recording space, and event hosting. Comparable to Blueprint in combining boutique multi-room recording with event and masterclass offerings in a UK-based, characterful building.
- Miloco Studios: London-based collective of recording and mixing studios serving major producers and artists. Comparable to Blueprint as a UK recording studio offering high-end production environments with in-house producer/engineer talent.
- Rockfield Studios: Legendary residential recording facility in Wales where Queen, Oasis, and Coldplay recorded. Directly comparable as a long-running UK recording studio with residential/large-room capability serving major international artists.
- Metropolis Studios London: Large independent recording studio complex in London with multiple rooms and full-service recording, mixing, and mastering. Directly comparable to Blueprint as a multi-room independent UK facility offering professional production services to major-label artists.
- Strongroom Studios: Independent London recording studio complex with multiple rooms and a focus on producer-led projects. Comparable to Blueprint as a multi-room independent UK studio offering recording, mixing, and ancillary production services to professional artists.
Regional players
- Castlefield Studios (Manchester): Manchester-based recording studio offering recording, mixing, and rehearsal services. Geographically adjacent to Blueprint and comparable as a Manchester music-production facility serving UK artists, though smaller and lessestablished.
- Angelic Studios: Mid-sized professional recording studio in the UK offering recording, mixing, and production services. Comparable to Blueprint's smaller-scale professional recording services targeting artist and label clients in the UK market.
Emerging players
- Avalon Acoustics / Decoy Studios: Independent UK recording studio focused on recording, mixing, and production for developing and established artists. Comparable to Blueprint at a smaller scale as a UK-based boutique studio providing professional audio production services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Blueprint Studios Ltd social profiles
Digital presenceBlueprint Studios Ltd financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blueprint Studios Ltd leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Blueprint Studios Ltd funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blueprint Studios Ltd 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 Blueprint Studios Ltd
What does Blueprint Studios Ltd do?
Blueprint Studios Ltd operates a multi-studio recording complex housed in a converted 19th-century Victorian Mission building in Manchester. The studio offers recording, mixing, mastering, pre-production, audiobook production, and filming location services across three principal spaces — Studio One (main tracking room with Neve VR Legend console), Studio Two (intimate overdub/vocal studio), and The Big Room (large orchestra-capable recording and event space). Three in-house producers (Ian Stewart, Tim Thomas, Gary Hadfield) deliver artist-facing production services to major international acts and emerging talent.
Is Blueprint Studios Ltd a public or private company?
Blueprint Studios Ltd is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Blueprint Studios Ltd founded?
Blueprint Studios Ltd was founded in 2002. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Blueprint Studios Ltd based?
Blueprint Studios Ltd is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Blueprint Studios Ltd make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Studio Time Rentals are the primary driver. The others are recording, Mixing and Mastering Services, audiobook Production and filming Location Rental.
Who are Blueprint Studios Ltd's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Abbey Road Studios, RAK Studios, Real World Studios, Miloco Studios, Rockfield Studios, Metropolis Studios London and Strongroom Studios. Regional players are Castlefield Studios (Manchester) and Angelic Studios. Avalon Acoustics / Decoy Studios is listed as an emerging player.
Does Blueprint Studios Ltd have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blueprint Studios Ltd.
What industry is Blueprint Studios Ltd in?
Blueprint Studios Ltd's product category is Recording Studio Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAHAA, Recording Studios (Commercial, Project, Mobile), with a secondary code of MPAIAHAK, Rehearsal & Pre-Production Studios (Rehearsal Rooms, Backline). Its NAICS code is 512240 and its SIC code is 7819.