A Derby business is planning to expand and create job opportunities for university and college graduates following a cash injection from Derby Enterprise Growth Fund.
Derby Business TV was an initiative launched in 2012 by local businessman Neale Lewis to showcase the success of local businesses, share good practice and business advice and help promote the city to inward investors.
The success of the pilot programme has inspired Mr Lewis to now put the business on a commercial footing.
Based at Banks Mill Studios on Bridge Street, Derby Business TV is now providing advertising and corporate video production services aligned to the filming work that will continue in the production of editions and articles for the online DBTV channel.
The growth plans have been supported by a £10,000 grant from Derby Enterprise Growth Fund.
The £20 million Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF) is run by Derby City Council and supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. It aims to provide a catalyst for growth and job creation in businesses in the city and surrounding area through a mix of loans and grants.
Mr Lewis (pictured centre) has been joined in the enterprise by Neil Munro from Clockwork Prism, marketing specialist Stuart Baddiley, media professional Jason Elberts from Jet Productions and University of Derby Media Production graduate Ollie Burrows. (pictured left to right)
Mr Lewis explained: “We originally set up DBTV to showcase the fantastic work that businesses in Derby are achieving and to bring together the local business community.
“It has been very well received and there was a clear need for this service to be provided as a commercial entity.
“The support from DEGF has enabled us to invest in more production equipment and to create a studio.
“We have already taken on Ollie in a full time position following his internship with the company and we are looking to create more employment opportunities in the future for students at the University and at Derby College.”
Ollie Burrows (21) added: “This is a great opportunity for me as a graduate and I am excited about the prospect of working with businesses to produce high quality work that will be an important visual showcase for them to generate more leads and help them grow their business.
“Launching the service to businesses at this time is ideal. In the next year, You Tube advertising will really come into its own – making the optimisation of online video even more important to a business’ marketing mix.”
Derby City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration Cllr Martin Rawson chairs the DEGF panel of industrial and financial experts who consider business applications.
He said: “We are keen to support smaller businesses that have a robust business plan to establish themselves and create new jobs.
“DEGF is designed to be a catalyst for growth and applicants tell us that the process is a positive way of focusing their business plan to ensure sustainable success.”
Applications for the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund continue to be accepted by Derby City Council. To find out more visit: www.derby.gov.uk/degf . Alternatively call 01332 641628 or email degf@derby.gov.uk .
