A SNAPPY service from busines advisers has helped a Huddersfield photography firm get things into focus.
Businesss partners Ruby Black and Tim Johnstone set up Blackstone Images after working in widely different fields.
And they teamed up with Business Link West Yorkshire to help get the photography service up and running.
Business Link West Yorkshire is funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.
Tim worked in car sales for 13 years while Ruby's career included recruitment, the hospitality sector and a stint as a model.
Business Link adviser Claire Draper helped Tim and Ruby put together a business plan, which led to a successful application for a business loan.
Said Ruby: "Claire has been with us every step of the way and helped us to focus on taking the business forward. Being creative people, it's difficult to separate yourself from your work, but when Claire came on board, she made us take our creative heads off and firmly put on our business heads.
"She has been a brilliant mentor and helped us to look at our own skills, aims and objectives and helped with so many key areas including marketing the business and cash flow".
Through Business Link, an outside consultant has also been recruited to help Ruby and Tim with financial aspects of running the business.
Blackstone Images has built a reputation in commercial photography, specialising in business-to business, lifestyle and beauty shoots.
Last year, the business moved to larger premises at Oakes.
John and Ruby now boast a range of blue chips clients - and have worked as far a field as Malaysia.
Ruby said: "We are now seeking out more advertising and editorially-led photography work and are looking to the future with confidence. Developing a relationship with Business Link has really paid dividends."
