Member Article

Manchester cancer survivor sets up media production company to help others

A young entrepreneur who beat cancer has set up Fresh RB Productions, his own Community Interest Company (CIC) in Manchester thanks to support from business growth hub Gateway2enterprise.

The CIC is designed to provide a creative space for young people suffering from a terminal or serious illness.

Oladamola Babalola, 25, originally launched Fresh RB Productions, as a limited company in January last year.

Fresh RB Productions, based on Boston Street, Manchester, is a media production company that delivers high-quality video production, professional photography and audio production services.

Prior to setting up his own business, Oladamola studied communications and business studies at the University of Liverpool, where he first realised his passion for media production.

It was also during this time that he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

Determined to complete his degree, Oladamola continued his studies while undergoing chemotherapy for six months to remove the tumour.

After being given the all-clear in 2010, Oladamola then went on to complete a master’s degree in marketing at The University of Manchester.

Following this, he worked for a number of digital marketing agencies in the city, before he decided to take the leap and set up his own business.

Oladamola was first introduced to Karen Melonie Gould, CEO of Gateway2enterprise, when he applied for a business loan through Rock Star Youth and Start Up Loans. She acts as lead partner for the North West for both organisations.

Karen became Oladamola’s mentor and she provided expert start-up advice and support to help him refine and strengthen his business strategy and business plan.

He was also given help to successfully apply for a loan, and he used the money to help market his business and purchase essential equipment such as a new camera.

When Karen Melonie Gould set up Gateway2enterprise, a revolutionary way for SMEs to source finance, alternative funding solutions and other business support services and resources, Oladamola signed up as a member to access its support.

Oladamola said: “After surviving cancer, your mindset completely alters and I knew I wanted to do something to help others that are going through a similar experience.

“Being creative is a great outlet and helps to take your mind off things, so I wanted to provide a free service that can help encourage this. Gateway2enterprise informed me about the benefits of community interest companies and the steps I needed to take to become one.”

Gateway2enterprise helped Oladamola turn his business into a community interest company so he could use his profits to help people who are suffering or have suffered from cancer or other forms of serious illness.

He was given a wealth of advice and support on reshaping his business to fit this new structure, as well as finding a suitable location for a new recording studio.

The studio will be open for free to young people (18-24) undergoing treatment for a terminal or serious illness, so they can record music and create videos.

Oladamola used Gateway2enterprise’s online hub to speak one to one with professional business angels, who are on hand to provide invaluable advice on running a successful business.

The business angels have all started and grown prosperous businesses, are multilingual and available for advice via Skype 24/7.

Oladamola said: “It’s great to know Karen and the business angels are just a phone call away.

“They are extremely supportive and have extensive business knowledge so if I ever have a problem that needs solving or a question that needs answering I know they can help.

“Their expertise is second to none and is so helpful for young entrepreneurs like myself.”

Karen Melonie Gould, CEO of Gateway2Enterprise, said: “It’s been a joy to see Oladamola’s brand develop from an initial business concept to a fully-fledged and successful company, especially as it’s one which benefits the community so directly. “He made great use of the support available and is already applying his newfound entrepreneurial skills to grow the business further.”

To access the services available through Gateway2Enterprise, businesses just need to register for a free account and complete a member’s profile. For more information, visit www.gateway2enterprise.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by PR Agency One .