Small Media Companies Get a Boost from Masterclasses

SUCCESS can be hard work. But for small media businesses and entrepreneurs in the Northwest it just got easier, because they’re being offered a group of free workshops to learn some tricks of the trade.

Three workshops are taking place at the Manchester Conference Centre from 24th to 28th September, hosted by Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s TV, film, radio and digital content industries.

Lynne McCadden, Managing Director of Vision and Media, believes these events can give small companies a much needed boost. “It’s hard for companies, and entrepreneurs, to start up and maintain momentum to become successful,” says Lynne. “Having the inside scoop on practical issues is invaluable.”

The first of these sessions, on Monday September 24th, is entitled Tax and Finances For Creatives. Media accountancy specialists, Jonathan Ford, will answer questions all companies face - should you set up a limited company? How much tax will you have to pay? And what’s the truth behind tax myths?

Following on Friday 28th September are two further crucial workshops, sharing tips on how to get ahead in networking, and how to market yourself.

The morning session, Network Your Way to Success, will be run by Television Producer, Christine Pyke, an expert in media networking and a trainer for Vision and Media (previously Media Training North West) clients.

Marketing Yourself, the third and final session, aims to give creative people the confidence to successfully translate their ideas into sellable products, and to further their business. Workshop leader Ray Hanks is a Special Adviser for Creative & Digital Industries to the North West Development Agency.

“You don’t need a vast amount of business knowledge to attend these workshops,” assures Lynne. “But we’re confident that by the end of this series, people will be much better equipped to deal with the business side of our creative industries.”

These are the latest in a series of master classes to be delivered by Vision and Media, through its Digital Futures programme.