-I went from living on Incapacity Benefit to becoming an entrepreneur... >
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 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.
David GoldsmithSummerfield Photography
