Kate Little and John Cavanagh helped hundreds of fledgling firms to develop business websites and e-retailing enterprises, while working as specialist advisers with Business Gateway.

Now they have realised their own business ambitions by masterminding a deal to buy Edinburgh-based Channel 6 Multimedia, with plans to grow its impressive client list.

Kate said: “We both loved our jobs advising other people how to run successful web-based businesses. However, it soon became clear that we both wanted to take it a step further and make a go of it ourselves.

Digital media experts

“We set up our own internet marketing company, Com.Motion, almost three years ago and from there we developed strong links with Channel 6.

“When the chance came up to takeover such a healthy and respected business it was far too good an opportunity to pass up. We now have a team in place to really make huge strides forward.”

Two existing staff with Channel 6 have also taken equal financial stakes as part of the takeover. Anne Marie Wood assumes the title of Creative Director, while programming expert Ewen Cameron becomes Technical Director.

Delighted Anne Marie said: “Ewen and I are thrilled to have fulfilled our mutual ambition of running our own web agency. The opportunity to be more involved with a company we have helped build from the ground up was just too good to miss. ”

Impressive client list

Kate added: “Channel 6 already works with clients of the calibre of Edinburgh Leisure, Farmer Autocare, Nevisport and Quality Meat Scotland as well as dozens of others all over the UK.

“Most of that success can be put down to the creative vision of Anne Marie and the technical abilities of Ewen. Having them both on board as part of the new management team is absolutely crucial to what we want to achieve.

“We can now offer full expertise on every aspect of online business, from e-commerce and content managed web design and build, to full online marketing and search engine optimisation. Clients can come to us for support with a particular aspect, or for a start to finish solution.

“This really brings together our different skills, makes the most of them and should elevate us to an entirely new and exciting level.”

Satisfied clients bring repeat business

The Channel 6 brand includes acclaimed e-commerce software, Ch-Ching, a bespoke and simple-to-use website content management system called Ch-Change, as well as a full web hosting service.

Kate, who takes the role of Client Services Director, added: “Since it was set up in 1999, Channel 6 has established an excellent reputation with a diverse range of clients and enjoys phenomenal repeat business.

“All of that has been achieved by word of mouth recommendation alone and we are confident we can now build on that pedigree with a more vigorously proactive approach. “Channel 6 has excellent products, in-depth expertise and a proven track record of delivering success for clients. All it has lacked is a clear strategy for growth.

“We have that in place now and with a strengthened team and expanded services, we will be energetically seeking new business opportunities to showcase our talents.”

Kate is confident the new dynamic will see business double in the 12 months – with a clear strategy to increase turnover to more than £1 million within 2 years. Already Channel 6 is recruiting for additional programmers and beginning a revamp of its headquarters in Torphichen Place, Edinburgh.

The new directors also plan a full review of the firm’s own online presence to streamline the brand and its various services.

Kate added: “The global growth in online business is massive and shows no sign of abating, so we know we have been given an unbelievable opportunity with this Channel 6 deal. “We are in the right sector at just the right time, with the people, the skills and the client base to make a real impact. There is a real feeling of confidence and excitement in the company and we will be one to watch over the next couple of years.”

Channel 6 works with Scottish public relations agency Holyrood PR to deliver an impressive media profile.