From A Bedroom In Barnsley To Nationwide Success

Early support and guidance from The Prince's Trust, Enterprising Barnsley and a government-backed business advice service has been of critical importance with startups across the UK when it comes to whether the business prospers or goes bankrupt.

One such success story is fortyfoursixteen films, which began as a small video production company and has grown to become a recognised industry leader and supplier of video production in the UK to leading brands and organisations.

Born in spare bedroom on a Barnsley street in 1999, fortyfoursixteen was an ambitious start up and the brainchild of Barnsley-born Neil Waddington. In just a few short years, crucial support and excellent business advice from The Prince's Trust, Enterprising Barnsley (under the Barnsley Development Agency scheme) and the government allowed the business to grow and offer employment and training to local students and apprentices, many of whom have gone on to forge successful careers in the film and video industry around the UK.

Neil said: "Having the support and advice from these brilliant organisations was invaluable in helping my business get off the ground. It made all the difference and I couldn't have done it without them."

Due to the positioning of major studios and facilities, the business eventually moved to its present home and is located close to both Pinewood and Shepperton Studios where large feature films such as Star Wars and Spectre have been produced.

Although the company has found increasing success in its new home, Neil has never forgotten where it all started: "It was a huge shame to leave the Barnsley area, but during those early years there I was able to employ a number of local people who have since become talented industry professionals. We even still have a few regular clients there and we're only too pleased to make the trip."

Today the company counts NBCUniversal, ITV, Nationwide and Travelex amongst its clients and produces videos for marketing, entertainment and retail purposes.

fortyfoursixteen's journey of 17 years has seen rapid expansion and the success looks set to continue with new clients and exciting projects on the horizon for 2017 and beyond.

www.44-16.com

(JP/LM)