Growing a Business in North Devon: Q&A With Tim Lamerton

North Devon has an array of sole traders and lifestyle businesses who contribute to the local community and Tim Lamerton does just that with his photography business. We caught up with Tim recently to discuss the work that he does and the recent support he has received from the ERDF funded Growth Support Programme to help him grow his business. 

So Tim, tell us a bit about your business and what you do

I am a part time photographer working at the weekends and evenings based in Ilfracombe.  My primary income is from wedding photography, for which I have a relaxed approach in capturing the emotions of the big day, rather than stilted and posed guests.  I do weddings anywhere in the county, but I also do a lot of local work too, including family portraits, product shots for artists, business portraits and have even done videos of a band! 

What do you enjoy most about your business? 

The sole reason why I do my work is for the interaction with the people that I meet and giving them photographs where they go “wow”.  Being involved with someone’s big day and contributing to their happy memories means a lot to me, and it’s important to also make sure my clients look good.  I feel like myself when I’m holding a camera, so it’s the best place for me to be!

What are the most challenging aspects of your business?

Sometimes I get nervous during the lead up to the wedding, so it’s challenging to overcome that. But once I am there and have a camera in my hand, I am in my element and everything runs smoothly! I also find marketing difficult – wedding photography in Devon is incredibly competitive and it’s hard to stand out. When I consult with a potential client, it’s important for me to ensure that they know that they have the right person for their wedding, and if I’m not the right person, I suggest other photographers who they can meet with instead.  I will never take a job if I know it’s not what they want, so it’s challenging losing out on the money that comes with that sometimes too. 

Why have you joined the Growth Support Programme?

It’s a no brainer to take up 12 hours of free business advice when it’s absolutely free – you have nothing to lose! The range of support that was offered was good and it gave me a good understanding of what I was comfortable with in my business and what I needed work on.  I’m a photographer at the end of the day, not a businessman, so I will always be learning the business aspect of what I do.

How has the support you received proven useful?

The Growth Support Programme gave me some basic business knowledge.  For example, with the finance assessment, I’ve gone back and looked at the way I record money and gauged my cash-flow.  I also reviewed my pricing which was a really important factor to my business and my lifestyle.  Whilst taking a look at my position in the marketplace, I worked on my marketing message and worked out my “why am I here, what can I achieve”. 

The advice I received made everything clearer, and gave me the confidence to say how I wanted to run my business. I have a great work life balance, and North Devon Plus helped me realized that people buy from people, so I am selling myself and who I am first and foremost.

It’s also made me more realistic about spending my money, I have done more research to make sure that any advertising opportunities are properly looked at to make sure I get a return on my investment so that I don’t overspend. 

What are your key goals to achieve following the programme?

The key goal is to take the training I’ve received and put it into action so that I increase my customer base and make more money.  This is every businesses goal but with the support I have received, I have the confidence do put my training into action and move forward.

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?

Be yourself, be genuine and be honest, and don’t promise something that you can’t do, but say yes! Just manage expectations along the way. 

How did North Devon Plus help?

The interaction with North Devon Plus has been very good and to a high standard - my adviser Stephen Taylor-Jones always asks me the right questions to get me thinking; even if I can’t answer them on the spot, he plants a seed in my mind and I work out the answer eventually which then moves me forward in my business.  There’s a lot to get through in 12 hours so some subjects are only covered briefly, but it’s well worth having someone to talk to about business.

If you are a sole trader like Tim, or own a micro business or SME in North Devon, you can register to receive 12 hours of free business support here.  If you have any questions about the programme or how we can help your business, drop Charlotte Bradley a line on 07881 108814 or email Charlotte on charlotte.bradley@businesswest.co.uk

The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme project is receiving up to £904,945 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020