This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES inspire CASE STUDY INSIDER


Video production in action


Back in 2005, Jo Haywood put her media background to good use. After producing science documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4 for 12 years then running the BBC Lifestyle websites for six years, she decided to combine these skills as Skylark Media, focusing on corporate video production for the web. Eleven years later, Skylark Media has a creative, collaborative and focused team of seven specialising in creating videos for the engineering, finance and health sectors. Based at Aardman Animations on Spike Island, the company is going from strength to strength. Last year it won Videographer Awards for its TV commercials, recruitment and events films.


‘The Skylark team’s infectious enthusiasm and commitment to our clients never ceases to amaze me’


Skylark’s USP is all about videos that grab the interest of their client’s target market. With a background of working in broadcast and with major B2B businesses, the team excels at turning complex issues into engaging treats for the viewer. Their first step for any video is to work with a client on their key messages before creating a visual concept around these ideas. When asked to describe a day in the life of her business, Jo said: “The Skylark team’s infectious enthusiasm and commitment to our clients never ceases to amaze me. “Earlier this year, one of our clients set up the challenge of creating a viral video for their business. We came up with an idea that our


Media group’s H


ow can businesses gain from video? Chamber members, Skylark Media, have the answer.


NAME: Sam Bell POSITION: Project engagement officer E: sam.bell@businesswest.co.uk T: 07501 039402


What does you role at Business West involve?


reach for the sky FACTFILE COMPANY: Skylark Media Group


LOCATION: Aardman Animations, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6UN


WHAT WE DO: We create videos that grab the interest of your client’s target market, using our experience of working in broadcast and with major B2B businesses.


HISTORY: Founded in 2005 by Jo Haywood, the company now consists of a team of seven in central Bristol.


client loved, and within two weeks of launching the video on their YouTube channel they got over 11,000 views. And that’s what it’s all about for us – videos that actually work.” Jo believes joining the Chamber of Commerce


helped Skylark Media develop. “Business West has supported me in the growth of my company from the beginning. One-to-one support back in 2006 led to the Growth Accelerator programme. I have also benefitted from workshops on the essentials of finance. “One of our team now attend the monthly Chamber networking breakfasts to meet other business owners in Bristol and build mutually beneficial business relationships. I would definitely recommend joining the Chamber – it’s a place where you meet fellow business owners, get expert advice and find out about grants or other support.”


To find out more about how Skylark Media can help you build to your audience, visit www.skylarkmediagroup.co.uk


As project engagement officer for the West of England Growth Hub I spend a lot of time meeting business support providers who can offer business support to SME community. Over the last eight months we have carried out a mapping report of all the business support available in the region and we’re now continuing that work by getting them signed up to the Growth Hub. So far we have successfully signed up a number of both private and public sector companies.


What were you doing before you worked at Business West?


I worked in the construction industry for 20 years in sales and project management positions.


What is the most unusual business you’ve encountered?


The nature of my role means that I try to help businesses develop and grow. The most unusual would have to be a company wanting to make wine-flavoured vodka!


What is your top tip for anyone starting out in business?


You have to have a good, honest business plan, and know your market and competitors. Make your product a ‘must have’, not a ‘nice to have’.


What are your interests outside of work?


My family, my miniature sausage dog Basil and weekends away to our caravan in Lyme Regis – and a nice glass of wine.


What did you want to be when you were growing up?


A princess (obviously).


To find out more about the West of England Growth Hub, visit www.wearegrowth.co.uk


MAY/JUNE 2016 insight 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36