A Mansfield start-up commercial photography business is going from strength to strength after receiving new business support from Mansfield District Council.
f22 Studios was set up in January (2024) by two experienced photographers after they were made redundant from Wilkos last year and they are so busy, they are already planning to expand.
Having spent over 16 years photographing Wilkos products, John Cleland and Kenneth Lau joined forces as business partners to offer their services and expertise primarily on a business-to-business level.
The company name, f22, refers to the largest aperture available on most professional camera lenses, which allows the image taken to have maximum focus.
Among their customers and potential clients are Center Parcs, Shirebrook-based Frasers Group (formerly Sports Direct), ITAB Group and Global Brands, and they are also in discussions with Unipart.
Talented at networking as well as composing the perfect shot, the partners drew on former Wilkos colleagues, who had moved on to other employers, to build their business.
Now they have so much work, they already plan to expand from their premises, a 1,000 square foot modern industrial unit at Mansfield’s Millenium Business Park.
A keystone of support in establishing the enterprise was a new business grant from the council. The £2,500 boost has enabled the pair to invest in vital lighting equipment to help give their venture the best possible start.
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We are delighted to be able to support f22 Studios. Vibrant start-ups like this, are a vital part of Mansfield’s economy and exactly the kind of ventures that the council business grants aims to help. There is still some money in this pot so we urge eligible businesses to get in touch.”
John said: “The business has got off to a great start – there is plenty of work for us out there. Fortunately our previous work means we have access to a pool of experienced photographers, stylists, retouchers and set builders who we can call on as freelancers during busy times which has allowed us to take careful, balanced decisions about expansion.”
The team are already looking at taking on additional staff from August, and are in talks with their landlords regarding expanding the studio size.
Ken added: “We learned about the grants being offered by the council via the internet and after researching further, applied the business start-up grant which matched funded up to the amount of £2,500. “We were really grateful for the help we received from the council Regen team in making the application.
“As well as lighting equipment we were also able to use the grant to buy an infra-red heating system for the unit, both of which have had a dramatic effect on how we work.”
More details about the support available to businesses can be found on the council website (link opens in new window) or by emailing the Ren team (link opens in email app) or calling the team on 01623 463499.