Yorkshire makeover and photoshoot studio business creates 25 jobs with new Sheffield base

Chique Photography, the makeover and photoshoot studio business, has opened third site in Yorkshire, with the launch of a new studio in Sheffield.

Owners Mark and Jane Earnshaw and Lauren Crainer from Chique already operate studios in Wakefield and Huddersfield and saw Sheffield as a strategic move for the company’s expansion plans.

Chique Photography, which now employs 60 people over the three sites, has taken a five-year lease on 3,066 sq ft at ARBA Group’s multi-million pound refurbishment scheme, Meadowhall Business Park.

First launched in 2014 in Huddersfield, Chique is currently on target to open five studios in five years.

Mark Earnshaw said: “I have always wanted to open a studio in Sheffield. For us, this move was about growth into a new city and the location, next to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, was key for us.

“Meadowhall Business Park is located right in the middle of Meadowhall’s rapidly developing commercial centre – ideal for reaching our target demographic.

“We have created 25 new jobs and are already looking to expand our telesales team here. It’s going really well and the clients are impressed by both the studio and the quality of service we offer.”

Chique’s team is made up of professional make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers, telesales and administration staff.

Since it was initially launched, the company has taken more than 200,000 photographs via 3,000 plus photoshoots and uses backdrops including enchanted forests, boudoirs and beaches to create creative and professional images.

Meadowhall Business Park is a 70,000 sq ft park, located close to the new Ikea development and adjacent to Meadowhall Shopping Centre. The park is undergoing a full refurbishment by ARBA Group after it was purchased from Sheffield City Council in July 2016 and is now being marketed by Knight Frank & Campbell & Co.

Richard Burns, director at ARBA Group, said: “We are seeing a strong level of interest in the offices as businesses look for space which offers the best in terms of value and location – especially compared to more costly city centre space.

“Chique Photography wanted a Sheffield location that allowed access to their target market together with quality accommodation and we are delighted to hear that the move is paying dividends for them.

“The full refurbishment programme of the five buildings is well underway bringing them up to modern office standard, with available suites from 2,000 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft plus on-site car parking.”

Meadowhall Business Park is located less than one mile from junction 34 of the M1, two miles from Junction 33 of the M1, within six miles of the M1/M18 intersection and 25 miles of the M1/M62 intersection.