On returning from Japan, Gavin Hugh, 29, from Kirkcaldy, decided to launch his own video production business, MidgieBite Media. The company aims to help clients engage with their customers through the use of creative and informative video content tailored to their needs.
Q What does your business do?
A MidgieBite Media is a video production business based in Fife. Video can be an incredibly powerful tool for engaging an audience – particularly on social media – and we look to help create that engagement for our clients. In particular, we look to work with small businesses to support their digital marketing and help develop their brand identities.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I’ve a background in Scottish broadcast TV production and I’ve always enjoyed filmmaking and creative work. I’d been thinking of starting my own video business for a number of years, and decided to finally go for it as no one else was going to do it for me.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A Business Gateway Fife and the Prince’s Trust Scotland have offered invaluable support. My very first step was making a call to them, as I knew they could offer individual advice and support. The one-to-one sessions, workshops and courses I’ve had have all been extremely informative.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A I wish I’d attempted to set up my business earlier. After returning from teaching abroad in Japan, I spent a few years looking for my ‘dream job’, without realising that I had the capacity to create it for myself.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future?
A The longer term aspiration for MidgieBite Media is to develop and create sustainable broadcast content in Fife and across Scotland.
I’ve always been frustrated that most of our broadcast content comes from south of the border, and the indigenous media landscape that Scotland does have is extremely Glasgow-centric.
It’s an underdeveloped industry and there’s huge potential in using local resources to develop home-grown content and brands.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A Absolutely. There is a huge wealth of remarkable and talented people in Fife and across Scotland with production skills who haven’t been given the opportunities they deserve. Tapping into this workforce and creating opportunities for it would be immensely rewarding.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Ultimately, you are solely responsible for the success or failure of your business. It’s a lot of responsibility and you need to make sure you accept that going in.
You may find yourself working long hours and it can be difficult knowing when it’s time to wind down for the night.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A I’d encourage others not to wait. If you have a vision and want to make it a reality, then only you can make it happen. Believing in yourself and making the commitment to see it through are the fundamental steps everyone needs to take in order to succeed.
QHow do you relax?
A Spending time with my friends, though I also enjoy reading, writing and creative film-making.