Developing nicely...

BUSINESS: TWO young entrepreneurs who gambled their savings to launch a photography business instead of going to university, are celebrating moving to a new office.

Eighteen-year-olds Ryan Davies and Kieran Birch launched R Davies Photography in Oldham last year using £17,000 of savings to get the business up and running.

Ryan was at the Oldham College planning a career in architecture but after teaming up with Kieran had a change of heart.

The partners contacted business support agency Blue Orchid and soon their dream became a reality.

Ryan said: “The money I put into the business was savings kept for me by my family and Kieran also added greatly to the business.

“We set up our studio on Market Street in Shaw and have now moved into a bigger space on Dowry Street.

“We have secured large amounts of work from being there including becoming the Earl Dance Centre’s official photographer and a well-established modelling agency is showing interest in our work.

“We have many retained clients and Blue Orchid has also referred business to us. To think that a year on from A-levels I would have my own business and be expanding is amazing.”

The studio offers every type of photography, from commercial to aerial, aiming to provide a quality service at an affordable price.

Ryan had always planned to study at university but his career took a different path after he learned about the opportunities photography offered.

He saved for his camera and taking pictures soon became a passion, with Ryan being offered freelance work by family and friends.

Having always wanted to be self-employed and with more jobs coming in, Ryan decided to take the plunge and with the support of his and parents, and forming an alliance with Kieran, launched his own firm.

The partners’ business journey began after they contacted Blue Orchid for help and advice in May last year. The support agency’s management consultant Deena Kearney then set up an action plan for the business.

Kieran said: “Being on the Intensive Start Up Support programme has really helped us to find our feet in the business world. Deena set us achievable goals and we attended enterprise and business planning workshops.

“We also attended specialised workshops on marketing and bookkeeping to sharpen our promotional and financial skills.”

Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes said: “Any extra help and support a fledgling business receives is invaluable, especially as we are all experiencing harsh times financially.

“The three-year ISUS project is providing significant benefits and is helping promote self employment across the borough in areas where the number of people working for themselves has been low in the past.”