Michelle Tennison : Tennisons Limited

I am a professional Photographer with 17 years experience, 9 of those I was Deputy Pictures Editor at the Coventry Telegraph. Before that I worked at the Hinckley Times (straight from College) for 8 years, in my home town.

Find out how Michelle turned her passion into a business...

How it began

There were many areas of business I had little understanding of, having always previously been an employee. My knowledge of financial issues was quite limited.

So I went looking for help on starting up a business and found the Women’s Business Development Agency.

Minal, my business advisor, offered lots of help with my business plan and she was very thorough in pointing out every aspect and thinking of every contingency.

I had regular meetings with Minal and she helped me with lots of practical advice on marketing, promotion and targets and training requirements. Strengths and weaknesses of my business model and my competitors was analysed, and contacts for help with issues such as a CRB check were provided. It was brilliant.

My business

My business offers all forms of Photography. PR, commercial, press, portrait and event Photography are available in Coventry and the surrounding areas.

I am also able to offer high end Retouching and design work through my husband, who is a Photoshop expert with 15 years experience.

Benefits from having business support

I am now a lot better prepared having been through all my costs and income streams plus my contingency plans which up until then I had not really adequately covered.

I feel confident about the future of my business and feel anything that if anything cropped up I would be able to go to WBDA and they could offer help and advice.

For more information about Tennisons Ltd please email Michelle at michelle@tennisons.co.uk