What better way to take a break from studying for an electrical engineering degree than indulging in your hobby and heading out with a camera to capture the magnificence of the North East? For Ben Hoskins, what began as a past-time has quickly turned into a side hustle with an income stream as he’s launched and grown his business, Photogenix.
Like many students, Ben Hoskins has split his time at university between his studies and the pub – not least because he has worked a part-time job in his local Wetherspoons. However, what’s different about Ben is that he has also used his time at university to turn a hobby into a business with photography start-up, Photogenix.
Ben says,
“I love travelling around Newcastle and the North East to capture shots that interest me. After a while I realised that there was real interest in the pictures I was taking and so I began to sell prints of the photos I’d captured.
“A lot of the shots are of coastal scenes and cityscapes but I’ve also done a whole series of shoots focused on local pubs. I’ve actually turned those images into a calendar.”
Having never run a business before, Ben began to realise that there was a lot that he didn’t know about turning a passion into an income – and so he reached out to TEDCO Business Support via Newcastle University and was quickly introduced to Business Advisor, Alan Dodsworth. Ben says,
“Monetising your hobby means learning how to find and retain customers, manage cashflow, source finance and build a supply chain, among other things. That learning curve has been a big challenge for me but Alan’s been there every step of the way. He’s always just an email away and has given me a clearer picture of what it takes to turn a profit.”
Having initially planned to sell all of his images online through an e-commerce platform, Ben says that it was Alan who encouraged him to take his prints to the Newcastle University Christmas Market and gain the experience of an in-person retail event. Ben explains,
“That was a really good experience and it’s given me the encouragement I need to try different markets in the future – including Newcastle Quayside and Tynemouth Market. As I’ve been completing my degree over the last couple of months, the business has had to take a backseat again but with more time spare in the coming months I’m ready to get along to more events and offer products that are high quality but great value.”
He continues,
“Alan’s also encouraged me to attend workshops on social media marketing which may help me to make more of these digital channels and gain more confidence in using them to promote my work.
“Of course, the main focus over the coming months now that I’ve finished my degree is to take the next steps in my engineering career but I definitely want to grow Photogenix alongside it – mainly because it’s something I really enjoy.”
Ben was supported by Alan and TEDCO Business Support, who helped him develop his strategy for the future. Speaking on his work with Ben over the past 12 months, Alan says,
“It’s been a pleasure to see Ben turn what was a hobby into a business at such a young age and while also juggling his degree studies. It’s a testament to his work ethic that he’s been driven enough to develop the business skills and understanding that many people don’t discover until much later in life.
Ben has a real eye for a picture and I look forward to seeing him build on the success of Photogenix over the coming months and years.”
Follow Ben on Instagram to keep up with his progress – Photogenix.
If you’re in the North East and thinking about starting your own venture, TEDCO is here to help. See the TEDCO Programmes page to find out more about the programmes available in your area.
Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch to help you as much as we can.
Ready to refine your entrepreneurial skills? Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch to help you as much as we can.