David Goldsmith

Name:

David Goldsmith

Business:

Summerfield Photography

Web site:

www.summerfieldphotography.co.uk

Years in business:

0.5

Number of businesses:

1

I went from living on Incapacity Benefit to becoming an entrepreneur by turning a lifelong passion into my livelihood.

I was medically retired from the Royal Mail after an accident which damaged the ligaments in my knee just before my wedding. I had to have reconstructive surgery which left me on crutches with months of physiotherapy to walk confidently again. I was off sick for two-and-a-half years and it really got me down as I’d worked all my life.

But it did gave me time to focus on my photography hobby which had grown from taking landscape shots with a small camera as a boy, working my way through different kit until I was using the same equipment as the professionals.

I would take photos at my friends’ weddings and gradually they started asking me do to it on a more formal basis. As my knee improved I spoke to the Job Centre about starting my own business and they referred me to a test trading scheme through the government’s New Deal programme aimed at helping people start their own business.

I took the plunge and started Summerfield Photography based in Morpeth in December. It felt absolutely fantastic. The core part of the business focuses on weddings and portraits and I also do corporate, advertising and events.

I meet with a training manager from In Biz who gives me advice and support. I declare my earnings and my Incapacity Benefit is adjusted accordingly. I’ve developed arthritis in my knee but doctors have given me the all clear to work and I will be signed off the scheme and go solo in one month’s time.

I’ve been doing two or three jobs a week, but it is starting to snowball now we are getting bookings in. It was the worst time of year to start for weddings but now I’ve got bookings for next year. I converted the garage into a studio but hopefully if things continue the way they are I’ll get my own premises.

My wife has been an amazing support and I got financial support from the Northumberland Enterprise Fund, In Biz and Kick Start. Although I’m still at the establishing stage I hope to grow the business to offer services in photo restoration, DVDs and re prints.

It’s been difficult because at the end of the day I haven’t gone from a highly paid job to taking the plunge. I’ve done the reverse and come off benefits. It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own business and it is stressful but also liberating. You really get to see the fruits of your labour.

If you want to run your own business or get off Incapacity Benefit, there is all the help in the world for you and I’m testament to that. Think of your passion, and if you can adapt that to make money then go for it.

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