A full service podcast production and marketing agency is expanding to a new studio space and has hired two new team members as it approaches its second anniversary.

Podcast Labs originally opened in 2019 as a recording studio in a tightly-squeezed room in Bournemouth.

It has since seen significant growth despite being hit by the pandemic at only five months old.

Now the agency’s six-strong team is to relocate from its current premises in Westbourne to Poole.

Its new home has 3,000 square feet of space for new production studios and to house its growing team with views across heathland.

Podcast Labs has been supported by BCP Council’s Bounce Back Challenge Fund, helping to accelerate its plans to build a new podcasting HQ.

Founded by Kelly Butler and Andy James, pictured left, the agency works with brands and personalities to integrate podcasting into their marketing strategies.

It provides both the technical and promotional side.

Podcast Labs points out that the popularity of the podcasting industry has grown at a dramatic rate, with the number of people listening to a podcast for the first time doubling in 2020 during the pandemic.

But while more new shows than ever are being launched, the medium is still in its infancy and by no means saturated.

Kelly, who is Agency Director, said: “Companies can still make incredible waves in the industry with little barriers to entry.

“Think back to YouTube in 2010 – those who got in first, and remained consistent were the most rewarded.

“However high-quality production is now important.

“Dodgy audio just doesn’t cut it anymore to keep listeners engaged.”

Andy, Managing Director, added: “Our new Podcast Labs studios not only gives our ever growing team an incredible place to work, it also enables us to expand our service offering and reach nationwide.”

Podcast Labs now works with nationwide brands and reality TV stars, as well as an array of local talent including artist Stuart Semple, boxing champion Chris Billam-Smith and entrepreneurs Ty Temel, Benjamin Reynolds and Megan Fairhall.

Other clients include businesses such as Liz Lean PR, Dorset Growth Hub and Simone Thomas Wellness.

One of its most successful shows – ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ with Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson – continues to dominate the top of the charts in the UK, achieving almost half a million listeners since launching earlier this year.

With more new shows planned in its strategy and launch programme, Podcast Labs has recruited two new team members.

Amber Boiston, pictured left, joins as Client & Studio Administrator.

And Zoe Wright, pictured right, has been hired as Internal Project Assistant to provide additional support with client communications, marketing and growth.

The new studio space in Poole, will be operational from next month.