Growth for Stockport Video Production Company

A Stockport video production company has expanded its workforce and taken on two new clients thanks to advisory support from Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company.

BellyFlop TV, set up in 2008, specialises in corporate videos and photography, including 360-degree internal photography tours of businesses which can directly link to Google Street Maps.

2,000 videos later, BellyFlop TV’s management wanted to increase the capacity of the company and grow its workforce.

Greater Manchester’s Digital Strategy, announced by the Mayor earlier this year, includes a fund focused on getting more young people into digital industries. Business Growth Hub encouraged BellyFlop’s managing director, Jonathan Robinson, to take advantage of the fund and take on apprentice, Joshua Owens.

Stockport video production company, Bellyflop Tv’s Josh in action

Joshua is working towards a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media at Chesterfield College.

Commenting on his new role, Joshua said:

“I’ve learnt so much already through my apprenticeship at BellyFlop TV. Before starting here, I was studying at a Sixth Form college, but it just wasn’t for me – I’d rather just do something than learn how to do it in a text book!

“I wanted to be doing something more practical. It’s great being involved in all aspects of the company – from working in the office environment to handling cameras and participating in shoots.

“I’d really like to continue working with BellyFlop TV once the apprenticeship finishes, and then, hopefully, I can build a career in film or TV.”

Jonathan says:

“We didn’t just employ him to do menial office tasks – Josh is out on the road with me all the time and I wanted to pass on all my knowledge and experience.

“As a result, I’ve got complete confidence in Josh who is now driving to locations himself and filming some quite complex situations. For example, he recently has undertaken a dementia and end of life care film. He is now at the level where he was able to complete the film on his own.

“Given how well things have gone with Josh, and the positive impact he’s had on the business, I will certainly be open to hiring another apprentice in the future.”

Since receiving The Hub’s support, the Stockport video production company has extended its geographical reach into Rossendale, Blackburn and Burnley, working with a school uniform supplier and a care company in the area. Jonathan also hopes to expand the business’ portfolio of specialist clients within social housing, third sector, healthcare and training, and is currently on course to increase turnover by 30% this year.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester.