Picture perfect pivot powers business growth

A Northumberland entrepreneur has turned redundancy into a thriving business portfolio with support from a local growth scheme.

Sarah Smith, based in Bardon Mill, launched Mirror Image Photography after losing her job at a law firm. 

What started as a side hustle in a single photography studio has since grown into a multi-faceted enterprise covering school and family photography, e-commerce, property shoots and careers services for young people.

Support from the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) has helped Sarah develop her digital marketing, access funding and scale her operations. 

She now employs a part-time assistant, and has taken on expanded school contracts, college workshops and collaborations with the local job centre.

A partnership with a local letting agency has also opened up new income streams, while Sarah continues to build her network through NSBS workshops and events.

Praising the support from NSBS, Sarah said: “The wealth of information and expertise shared by the business advisors has proven invaluable. 

“Their guidance has offered me insights into industry trends, strategic planning and business development, equipping me with the tools necessary to make informed decisions and pursue my career goals with greater clarity.”

Sarah’s newest venture, Empowerment Employment Services, aims to deliver careers guidance across the North East and Cumbria, inspired by her own experiences as a student.

NSBS is delivered by Northumberland County Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority. 

It offers training, expert advice and funding access to small businesses across the county.

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