Media Access Solutions joins Sunbelt family: interview with founder Tim Kendall

Sunbelt Rentals has boosted its growing film and TV production arm with the acquisition of Media Access Solutions (MAS). The purchase of the Leighton Buzzard-based powered access hire firm is Sunbelt Rentals third industry purchase this year, following on from lens and camera experts Movietech and lighting and grip specialist PKE.

For MAS founder Tim Kendall, the sale marks the pinnacle of years of hard work. The media sector hasn’t always been his stomping ground: he started off in 2005 working in plant hire for the construction industry. In 2006, he took up an opportunity with then-market leader Nationwide Access working with the TV and film industry and enjoyed two good years making a name for himself. A year’s foray to the Middle East beckoned, before he returned to the UK and a job with another media industry supplier. Although he liked the company, it opened his eyes to how the camera department needed to be better served.

“When I came back from the Middle East, I realised I only wanted to supply to DOPs and gaffers, because they look after machines and pay their invoices on time,” explains Kendall. “I also noticed that nobody was looking after these people. I could see they were just picking up the phone and ringing Joe Bloggs. No-one knew the industry terminology – you need to know the lingo – and no-one was listening to what these people are shooting or saying. So, I saw a niche for myself in the market and I never looked back from that mindset.”

MAS started trading in 2017 and was in high demand, rewarded by appearing on the FT 1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. “We were riding on the crest of a wave,” he adds.

The first quarter of 2020 was set to be a record period for the company, but we all know what happened next. “I was at a trade show in Las Vegas when I had a phone call from a client to say they’re closing every single film and TV studio in the UK,” Kendall remembers. “We had 500 machines out on hire at that point and I said, that’s me down the road if that’s the case.” But with the help of the bank and the furlough scheme, the firm survived, and trading picked up again that summer, starting with Jurassic World Dominion.

Sunbelt Rentals UK, who are headquartered in Warrington, started showing an interest in acquiring MAS in February 2022. In 2019, their American business, Sunbelt Rentals US purchased Canada’s largest production rental company William F. White. But with MAS still a young and growing business, how did Kendall feel about letting go?

“I didn’t know,” he admits. “The growth was phenomenal. Discussions over the selling of MAS had been going on since February and I think that everyone is happy with the deal.”

The acquisition sees Sunbelt Rentals retain all of MAS’ 32-strong team and its three bases at Shepperton Studios, Leighton Buzzard, and Rotherham. Crucially, Kendall will also be staying on board.

Kendall thanks Sunbelt Rentals’ CEO Andy Wright, CFO & Managing Director of Film & TV Operations in the UK Phil Parker and Gareth Brewerton, UK legal counsel, as well as his existing MAS team, for their continued support.

Commenting on the acquisition Andy Wright, Sunbelt Rentals UK CEO, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome Tim and his team to the Sunbelt Rentals family. These are exciting times for all of us as we expand our footprint in the UK TV and film market. Drawing on the combined knowledge and expertise of Media Access Solutions, PKE Lighting, Movietech and William F. White International will be a true differentiator for us and our film and television clients.

“Tim and his team’s extensive knowledge and expertise of the industry will assist with executing our exciting UK expansion plans.”