Following service in the Royal Australian Air Force, and using his knowledge of photography and aeronautics, Chris Evans worked for a while in drone services and commercial videography.
He relocated to England and shifted his interest purely to sports and corporate photography where he recently decided to turn this passion for capturing demanding action shots into a business.
We spoke to Chris to find out more about his journey to becoming a business owner:
What does your business offer?
Chris Evans Images Ltd specialises in sports, corporate and event photography.
How did the support from Nwes assist you?
I applied for a Start Up Loan and was enrolled onto the Enabling Self-Employment programme. This provided me with additional support and the ability to apply for a grant. I was also able to attend a training course in how to build Net Zero into my start-up business.
I’ve been very happy with David Scates as my Business Advisor. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, fun and helpful. The advice he has given me will help my business well beyond the loan and grant application process.
As for the process itself, I couldn’t have gotten through it without him. Thank you David and NWES.
If you received a start-up loan from NWES how did you use it?
My Start Up Loan and grant has enabled me to purchase equipment and accessories to provide capability for shooting sports and events.
What has been the highlight of starting your own business?
Rapidly forming new connections and converting leads into work, it’s all very exciting. Also, some of the reviews I have received have put a big smile on my face. I have also received some very good initial feedback:
“Chris came highly recommended via a colleague of mine and did not disappoint. He is extremely responsive and flexible regarding availability and requirements which makes working with him a smooth, unproblematic process. During the shoot Chris was both encouraging and clear, giving simple instructions to follow ensuring the product is of the highest quality. He knew how to work with the light set up, in a particularly small and problematic space achieving an amazing outcome. He is clearly a knowledgeable photographer which gives him the expertise required to deliver an amazing standard of work. Highly recommended!” – Georgie Gunner, Kesgrave Physio
“After a chance meeting and viewing Chris’ photographs, we very quickly gave Chris several projects to work on commercially. Chris is both responsive to fast deadlines, immediate delivery and accuracy of hitting the brief and produces outstanding quality. We would thoroughly recommend Chris to any of our clients needing photography for their business.” – Tom Huggins, Juiced Marketing
What is the one thing you wish you would have known sooner on your journey?
Finding out about NWES. I only discovered them because I applied for a Start Up Loan via www.startuploans.co.uk and was allocated to Nwes to support me through this process. Everything happened very quickly, there was a lot to accomplish and process in a short space of time, however Nwes helped me beyond the loan application.
What are your plans over the coming year?
To build a network of corporate clients, schools, colleges, and building a portfolio for engagement and wedding shoots.
If you’d like to find out more about Chris Evans Images, visit their website or their Instagram page.
If you would like to begin your own business journey just like Chris, call us on 01603 227840 or use the live chat on the bottom right of your screen, and a member of the team will be more than happy to talk you through the support available.
A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK to find out more visit https://www.nwes.org.uk/contracts/start-up-loans-2/
The Enabling Self Employment programme is a UK Government Programme delivered in partnership with The New Anglia LEP and Nwes.