Blueprint Studios Ltd

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.

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

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

• Recording studio services
• Audio mixing mastering
• Audiobook production
• Music rehearsal facilities
• Filming location rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Studio Time Rentals: Rental of recording studio spaces including Studio One, Studio Two, and The Big Room for recording, pre-production, and events
2. Recording, Mixing and Mastering Services: Full-service audio production including recording, mixing, and mastering with experienced producers
3. Audiobook Production: Audiobook production services for publishers including Audible, Bonnier Books, Verity Productions
4. 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

Core 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

Named customers17 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Heart & Graft Coffee RoasteryminorOthersCoffee 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/blueprintstudio
• Facebookfacebook.com/blueprintstudiosuk
• Instagraminstagram.com/blueprintstudiosuk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blueprint-studios-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blueprint Studios Ltd