Start-up business strikes chord with Def Leppard
A Rotherham-based videographer is setting his sights on a record-breaking first year after his business was given an unexpected boost by one of the best-known names in the rock industry.
Stuart Turner launched video production business LensGo in the spring after deciding to turn down the chance to build a lucrative career working for a large media agency in favour of using his skills to support South Yorkshire’s business community, with the long-term aim of creating new skilled jobs within Rotherham’s growing creative industries sector.
Just a week after opening the doors of his new business, Turner’s services were snapped up by Def Leppard who commissioned his business to capture a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall, organised to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Turner was determined his venture would not be one-hit wonder and called upon help from the ERDF funded Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme to unlock the potential offered by his new videography business.
Working with business advisor Julia Millea, Turner began formulating his business ideas and putting his plans into practice. He has successfully secured work with a growing number of businesses throughout the UK, as well as supporting a number of organisations in the Sheffield City Region including Sheffield City Council, Rotherham United Community Trust, Gulliver’s, Rotherham Hospice, the Doncaster Knights and actor Brian Blessed.
Turner said: “Video is fast becoming one of the best tools to help businesses engage with their customers and audiences and I felt there was a clear gap in the market for our services. I was keen to base my business in Rotherham to help create new skilled jobs within the creative industries sector and since launching the business we’ve successfully built a local, regional and national client base, resulting in new jobs being created within the local economy.
“Having spent most of my career working as a professional videographer, I knew my industry well and working with the Launchpad programme helped to give my business direction – I was conscious that when it comes to video there’s quite a large market for the services but I didn’t want to be all things to all people.”
Millea, Business Advisor, Launchpad, added: “Stuart has come a very long way in a short space of time. Working as a freelancer for a number of years, Stuart benefitted from an insight into what is needed to run a business, but there can be very different challenges associated with running your own company.
“A key element of the Launchpad programme is encouraging entrepreneurs to understand the importance of business planning, enabling the business to grow and develop.”
