Dog Digital

With a client base including an enviable set of blue-chip organisations, mid-market corporate companies and high-profile consumer brands, Dog Digital’s Owner Gerry McCusker, has dramatically grown the business since its inception in 1996. Having one initial office in Glasgow, Dog Digital now has offices across the globe in locations including London, Singapore and Jakarta.

Providing clients with a fully integrated communications service, Dog Digital offer a range of digital services from social media management, advertising and search engine optimisation through to developing creative film, apps and multimedia content.

Examples of their work include creating and implementing global social content for The Macallan, management and development of digital content for all L'Oréal brands and development of a digital platform for 19 Heineken brands to name a few.

With business booming and further growth ambitions in mind, Dog Digital’s Directors were keen to attract new clients by developing their media business. However, with media requiring substantial upfront costs, readily available funds are essential in ensuring that profitable opportunities in this area aren’t missed. Due to this, Dog Digital secured initial funding through a private source but were left with a funding gap that they were looking to fill.

After finding out about Business Loans Scotland and the £7 million dedicated pot of funding available for Scottish SMEs, Gerry and his fellow Directors decided to apply.

Fully funded through the Scottish Growth Scheme and the European Regional Development Fund (EDF), BLS offer loans from £25,000 to £100,000 for new and growing Scottish SMEs and aim to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals don't fail from a lack of access to finance.

After completing the simple and straightforward online application process, Dog Digital secured a loan of £100,000 giving them access to the working capital required to grow the business without delay. The loan awarded will be utilised to promote the growth of their media business and is also expected to create new employment opportunities, with more expected to follow in the near future.

Owner and CEO of Dog Digital, Gerry McCusker, said:

“We are delighted to work with Business Loans Scotland. Their team have been extremely helpful, and their support will aid the rapid development of Dog\'s product offerings. This is now allowing us to build on all the great work we have done through the last year."

Speaking of the loan awarded, Fund Manager for Business Loans Scotland, Andrew Dickson said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Business Loans Scotland has been able to support Dog Digital. I wish them well in growing their business and look forward to watching them develop and flourish. As Business Loans Scotland is one of the Fund Managers under the Scottish Growth Scheme, I look forward to being able to support many more businesses, like Dog Digital, access loan funding.”

Graham Smith, Group Manager of Economic Development at Glasgow City Council, added:

The loan to Dog Digital Ltd., through Business Loans Scotland continues to demonstrate the commitment Glasgow has for supporting new and existing businesses in the City.  This investment of working capital will assist the business to develop their innovative services, including full digital media solutions, in line with the growth phase and strategy of the business. The investment will also assist the business in increasing sales revenues in UK and international markets and increase staffing in line with the sales and marketing strategy of the business.  

Glasgow City Council remains committed to fostering an innovative environment in Glasgow that supports small businesses in realising their growth potential."