From university graduate to business owner. With support from University of Salford’s business incubator, Launch@Salford, BSc Film Production graduate Sam Michael Wood turned a passion for creativity into Further Works, a successful video, photo and social agency.
Getting Started
From a young age, I’d always known I wanted to start my own business. I’d always find myself daydreaming of grand ideas and business plans. The idea of building something from scratch always appealed to me, and it felt like an opportunity for endless growth personally, and professionally.
Further Works creates brand-defining video, photo and social content for clients across the UK. Our unique selling point is that we’ve recognised the things that hold creative agencies back, and we’re constantly working to improve on the areas which other agencies lack. This includes using the latest technology and software to improve our production methods and internal processes, meaning that we can consistently deliver high-quality, easily accessible, and purposeful content to our clients.
We also pride ourselves on delivering hybrid content solutions. We have deep knowledge of the production of photo, video, and social content, but also of what connects brands’ content with their intended audiences.
The biggest challenge for me was finding the balance. When I started Further Works I was a student, I worked at the university, I was doing freelance work, and had my own personal life outside of work. Balancing all of these elements was really difficult. I’d find myself working late, and waking up early. But every single late night was worth it. It taught me to be resilient and motivate myself, and those skills will benefit me for life.
The highlight of my journey has been seeing the amount of growth that can happen in one year as a business owner. Every day I take time to appreciate how lucky I am to be working with exciting clients, meeting interesting people, and creating high quality content as my full-time job. In this year I’ve turned what was once a daydream into my job, I’ve travelled, supported local charities, and met some exceptional people with inspiring stories. I’ve worked with clients across the UK, and developed not only as a business owner, but as a creative, a communicator, and a person. There are too many moments to pick a single highlight, but I wake up every day excited for that’s ahead.
Launch@Salford Business Incubator
The Launch Business Incubator is a service at the University of Salford which helps provide budding entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to start their own business.
Launch gave me the opportunity and skills to develop from a creative with dreams of being a business owner, into a creative with the knowledge and support to start, and grow a business. The support from Paul and the team during, and after Launch has given me a platform to turn my ideas into reality, and to grow professionally and personally.
As well as the support, I also received funding after winning the Launch pitching competition. The funding allowed me to buy a camera that I’d once considered a dream piece of equipment.
I’ve stayed connected with Paul, the Launch team, and my fellow cohort members, and it’s been an invaluable resource that has given me continued support and opportunities, as well as a community to develop alongside. The support from Paul especially has been crucial in my development, and lessons he’s taught me come in useful almost daily.
What’s next?
The plan is to continue growing the business, developing and integrating new ideas and technology to ensure we can stay at the forefront of creative technology. In the next five years I want to open a studio, a social media division, and a platform that allows young underprivileged creatives to have opportunities to work with professional equipment, in a professional setting. The dreams are big, but they always have been, and I work towards making them a reality every single day.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Definitely get involved with Launch. Launch is an incredible resource not only to develop your ideas, but also to develop personal and business skills that will benefit you for life. Launch gives you a support network of like-minded individuals, and connects you to industry experts that can be crucial in developing your own business.
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