Success Stories: Big Foot Studios

Abdullah al-Wali graduated in July 2009 with a BSc in Music Technology and his business partner Luke Valerio-Depledge finished his BSc in Creative Technology and Sound in the same year. The two of them are now eagerly anticipating the launch of their business venture, Bigfoot Studios, which is set to open for business in February 2010.

Based in Sheffield, Bigfoot Studios will offer recording and rehearsal space to local musicians and bands. They also plan to offer training to young disadvantaged people via a series of music technology workshops.

Having spent almost two years planning and setting up their business whilst studying for their degrees, they are now really looking forward to opening to the public. Abdullah says:

“We have worked together on several projects so we know that we have the right dynamic to make our business plan work. So far we have been working mainly for friends and on our own recording projects and this means that we have built up our skills base and have a range of experience that we can put into Bigfoot and hopefully ultimately pass onto others.”

The pair have benefited greatly from the services Business Start-Up provide. They have used several resources, including business advisor appointments and were granted £1000 worth of funding, through the proof of concept award scheme. The money was used to help with start-up costs, such as registering the business name and setting up the studios.

Abdullah says:

“We’ve found that it’s really expensive even just getting your business off the ground so help and support of this kind is vital in these early stages. We are really excited about going into business after working on some of our University projects together, but as this is something new for us it is good to know there are organisations like Business Start-Up out there.”

For more information on Big Foot Studios, check out their website - www.bigfoot-studio.co.uk.

For more information on the Proof of Concept grant, book an appointment with a business advisor, or any other start-up advice, please call 0113 812 1752.