Case study: Jane Helliwell

 

jane helliwell

 

Jane Helliwell graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2008 with a degree in Screenwriting. She put this knowledge to good use, starting her own business as a freelance Screenwriter in 2009, calling her company JFH Productions, specialising in comedy.

One of Jane’s ideas for a script won ‘best feature’ in the Pitch Perfect competition at the 22nd Leeds International Film Festival. Jane was awarded £500, and is currently working on her script ’Counting Sheep’.

Jane has used a number of services from Business Start-up on her way to self employment. The service that people value most from Business Start-up is the 1-2-1 business advice. We have an in-house business advisor that can help with any of the many issues facing a potential start-up business. Jane has attended many meetings with the advisor and is currently receiving some business coaching. Jane says;

“Jenny [the business advisor] has been fantastic, constantly encouraging me to move forward. I would recommend her to anyone thinking of starting a business.”

Jane attended a number of the Business Start-up workshops designed to improve the business skills of anyone interested in becoming self-employed. They cover Marketing, Sales, Legal Issues, Financial Issues, Business Planning and more. The series of workshops run twice a year, starting in February and October.

In November 2008, Jane was awarded the Business Start-Up Proof of Concept grant of £1000 to help test the feasibility of her business ideas. She used this money to join the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, the trade union representing writers in TV, radio, theatre, books, poetry, film, online and video games. The money also helped Jane to set up a website and get some business cards and letterheads printed.

“Business Start-up has a range of services that can help any new business to overcome what can be a difficult process in starting a business.”

All of the Business Start-up services are available to students and graduates from Leeds Met. For more information, contact the office on 0113 812 1752 or email info@business-start-up.biz

 

 

Updated August 2009