Ex-BBC Cleveland producer launches voice-over startup

A former BBC radio producer has set up his own business to provide voice-over services for companies in the North East.

Northern Man Productions was founded by Bruce Edwards, who previously worked as a radio producer and presenter at BBC Cleveland.

Bruce had support getting his new venture off the ground from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland.

He said: “Many organisations are producing videos that need quality narration, and the explosion of the internet has made it possible for companies to make their own video content to get their messages out there. It’s a very busy marketplace.

“But with these videos, there usually needs to be a voice or some sort of vocal trigger to help the viewer understand what’s going on.”

He added: “This is where I come in and lean heavily on my experiences in radio – where I’ve learned how to speak in a compelling way – and deliver effective narration to help the viewer or user.”

Bruce, who also plans to offer his voice for audiobooks and other applications, said going self-employed and starting up Northern Man Productions has given him a great opportunity to build on his career in the media.

He continued: “I’ve got a lot of contacts from my time in radio and with the broadcasting industry coming back stronger than ever, I believe it’s a good time to go self-employed and build on something I really enjoy doing.

“I’m very thankful to the BIC and their Business Adviser, Margaret Cook, who provided me with a very clear route towards starting the business.”

The BIC supported Bruce through the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance programme.