Insight Out was an enterprise training programme for talented individuals who wanted to set up a creative business. Read about some of the people we supported.
Collectable jewellery
Alice Gow has launched an innovative mix-and-match jewellery collection. As well as being interchangeable, the jewellery is striking, modern and can be bought in stages, allowing a customer's collection to gradually build.
Macunicate Group
Ana Cristina Santos has established a film venture, comprising the Kultur Cine Club - a platform for the best short films and documentaries from around the world - and Macunicate Films, the film marketing and consultancy arm which she aims to develop into a fully-serviced distribution company for cutting-edge independent talent.
Andy Lyth has launched a website design and maintenance service, delivering content such as flash animation for a dynamic online presence. His work for band Jelly's Last Jam was featured in the UK's best- selling internet magazine and named as one of the best websites for an unsigned band.
Designer Ash Ali has embarked on a venture to create a haute couture bridal wear label fusing cultures and styles from across the globe. Winner of the Asian Bride Designer of the Year award, Ash applies a range of techniques such as screen-printing, embellishing and fabric manipulation.
Ceramics design
Creating a fresh approach to a traditional market sector, Camila Prada produces vibrant, individual and contemporary ceramic designs aimed at high-end UK retailers.
Designer Catherine B received funding to produce limited edition costume jewellery. She produces unique hand-made jewellery, including 'haute couture' and bridal ranges.
Charles Vullamy has created a virtual show home, a digital resource to allow homebuyers to take a 3-D tour of a proposed housing estate, the local area and individual homes. His innovation is aimed at housing developers, with homebuyers viewing the resource via the Internet or DVD.
Artist Charlotte Dawson creates work to prompt people to look again at their everyday surroundings. Working with private and public sector bodies, including hotels, hospitals, local authorities and businesses, she creates bespoke paintings for the benefit not only of her clients but for everyone using the space, including staff and customers.
Christine Freke and Nigel Davison have established 2Tone Creative Photography. Working across the North-East and beyond, they specialise in wedding, portrait and fashion photography.
Fashion designer Christine James has received funding to embark on a business venture producing printed, ethically-sourced T-shirts for the equestrian market, as well as creating screen-printing for interiors products.
Furniture designer Christopher Rogers has developed an idea for a range of high-quality furniture which not only stands the test of time, but also, stands out from the crowd. Working with NESTA enabled him to gain more business awareness, helping him to move his ideas forward.
Sports fashion
Claire Goodman has developed a new women's sportswear brand, Concrete Lawn, to meet the growing demand within the extreme/ urban sports market. Highly technical and innovative in its use of fabrics and shapes, the brand is aimed at sports retailers and European stores.
Photographer Colin Woodward has designed a series of small photographic Christian devotional books. With limited words, the books create space for prayer and meditation. The books are intended to be of interest to the secular, as well as Christian, market because of their photographic art.
Artist Corinne Lewis has established a photographic business inspired by her artistic - rather than a commercial - background. As well as general work, she undertakes educational projects and designs products inspired by her creative practice. By having her images etched into glass, she aims to give her photography a handmade quality.
Cormac Faulkner has launched Sonic Graffiti, a business creating interactive sound art installations in private and public spaces. Working in areas from restaurants and galleries to waiting rooms, he uses music and sound to engage the public and enhance atmosphere, creating the kind of impact traditionally achieved only through visual art.
Daniella Genas has joined forces with fellow Insight Out participant Zeleka Sutherland, and two colleagues, to launch the events and promotional management company, Aspire4u. The company has already attracted media attention and organised Insight Out's successful end-of-programme exhibition in Birmingham.
Dean Frost has developed an idea for a web-based exhibition to offer Birmingham creative students and graduates a better chance of finding work within the city. The students/graduates rent out 'exhibition space' to showcase their work directly to regional creative businesses, who have the opportunity to spot potential amongst prospective employees.
Demi Gounari has established Hybrid Creations Ltd, a digital media services and consultancy company. Products range from digital art and graphic design to web design and custom -developed software.
Glassware designer Desiree Hope uses traditional techniques alongside modern technology to create both limited edition sculpture and functional glassware. With a list of galleries and customers already awaiting her work, her long term ambition is a fully-equipped glass blowing studio, where customers can view the work being made.
Dries van Dorpe has developed a music production application for smart phones. Targeting teenagers and students, his innovation enables people to make music together. Using pre-assembled content - rather than musical notes - dance singles can be combined to create a soundscape. Potential customers include wireless network providers and mobile handset manufacturers.
Illustrator Emma Dyson specialises in digital art for children. She has embarked on a venture to establish Strawberry Chalk, a company producing and publishing exciting, stimulating interactive children's books accompanied by online educational activities.
Weaver Fiona Hedgecock has developed a series of fibre optic weaves to incorporate within interior textiles. By concealing a small battery pack within the item of soft furnishing, Fiona aims to create a novel designer range - for example, cushions which twinkle or throws that glow.
Fleur Jackson is a fine art painter and freelance interior design stylist, designing bespoke furniture and customizing vintage pieces.
Gabriel Muldoon has received funding to develop e-learning tools for deaf children. Teaming up with NESTA Creative Pioneer John Finn, a sign language expert, Gabriel's first project is a series of animated stories for four and five-year-olds.
Visual artist Gaelle Roche creates photographic artwork in glass, using cutting-edge techniques to print on glass. Her decorative glass work ranges from wall art and stand-alone features to partition walls - and she has produced work for the Channel 4 series, The Great Garden Challenge.
Garth Williams has created Safetycatch, a multi-media production company specialising in live performance. Aiming to challenge traditional approaches to performance, Safetycatch supports artists and companies in exploring the potential of new media.
Award-winning designer Gavin Douglas has launched a women's urban fashion label. He uses graffiti art and unusual cuts to deliver street-edge appeal. Already creating media headlines, Gavin has been tipped as "set to give designers Jean Paul Gaultier and Georgio Armani a run for their money!"
Gavin Wilkinson has launched the Urban Art Company, providing community workshops for, and designing murals with, young offenders and young people considered 'at risk'. Drawing on issues affecting young people, the company also accepts commissions for design with a youth/urban focus.
Gemma Pearson has developed plans for a Birmingham-based PR and marketing agency to promote Birmingham as a hotbed of creative talent.
Photographer Glenn Norwood has developed a digital photographic manipulation service, combining traditional photography skills with his expertise in lighting, printing, digital re-touching and perspective.
Graeme Patrick has launched Ego Studios, a creative design house selling products from clothing to mobile downloads and PC wallpaper, all branded with characters from his Ego range.
Gwen Stevenson has received funding to develop her idea for a consultancy service which solves business problems through the creative process of making art. The aim is to draw out potential through creative methods, bringing ideas to life in a way that doesn't rely on report and memo writing.
Artist Hannah Campion is a qualified underwater photographer who translates her underwater adventures directly into her painting. Her passion for colour led her to experiment with industry spray paint. Her unique technique uses an industrial compressor, industrial spray guns and car spray paint!
Journalist Helen Clifton and colleague Caroline Edge have developed an idea for a free listings magazine for Manchester. They hope the magazine will also be accompanied by an interactive website.
Helen Watson has established Roundroom to offer broadcast services including styling, casting and location finding.
Ian Kostrzewa has launched NuYu Nutrition, an online dietary and lifestyle company focused on health and nutrition rather than just calorie counting and watching the scales. The aim is to empower people to make informed choices and build a diet and lifestyle which works for them.
James Sheppard has launched Outward Designs, a garden design and build consultancy which aims to make garden design more accessible. Targeted at small urban spaces, the company allows customers to mix and match ideas to create their own bespoke solution.
Jeremiah Alexander has launched Babel Digital, a games development studio focusing on games for education, training and creative learning. His vision is that computer games will become one of the main mediums of education and training, evolving the way we learn.
Jessamy Kelly and Joanne Mitchell established Juo, creating contemporary fused glassware, using a studio technique new to industrial mass production. It enables infinite shape and colour variations not possible with other glass processing. Juo has created two ranges, Designer, (for galleries and exclusive shops) and Lifestyle (everyday goods for the High Street).
Jo Hallington is a freelance fine art / documentary photographer whose themes have ranged from street fashion to cathedrals and ancient woodlands. Focusing on individual commissions and managing funded photography projects, Jo is keen to raise her profile nationally and internationally."
Surface inventor and illustrator Joanne Riddle has established Fuzzy Bridge, a design studio to develop products using her unique process of infusing permanent colour into a range of sheet plastic surfaces. Her work has many applications, from contemporary shower screens to mood-reflecting screens for exclusive bars and hotels.
John Hamilton received £5,000 to develop a live event projection service. As well as capturing the visual atmosphere of occasions such as weddings, corporate or sporting events, John aims to provide instant live projection and manipulation of the video content.
Jonathan Green has developed a system of wireless sensors which can be attached to a performer and to musical instruments, to convert physical movement into audio, video and lighting effects in real-time. Customers are expected to include dance companies, music groups, music schools, theatres and specialist schools.
Julie-Anne Graham has received funding to develop Curious Tales, an eco fashion label based around second hand clothes. Julie-Anne deconstructs the old clothes, cuts, twists and combines them into new items, which are then screen-printed with illustrations and stories of the garments' imagined previous 'lives' and past owners.
Jun Wei Lu has developed a new concept for interactive children's books. Wun has designed a series of characters intended to engage youngsters while also helping them to develop creative and other skills.
Kadi Wilson has created an independent record label to promote artists and creative individuals from the Birmingham area. Aimed at 13 to 30 year-olds, the label is focused on downloads via the Internet.
Filmmaker Kaja Amundsen has embarked on a business venture to launch comedyport.com, featuring comedy content including downloads, sketches, stand up and comedian profiles. Breaking in new acts, the website expects to attract industry professionals and commissioners seeking fresh talent.
Glass artist/maker Karinna Sellars combines traditional hand-forming skills with modern design. Colour is a vital part of her elegant, contemporary pieces, which are inspired by nature.
Kerry-Jo Reilly has developed an idea for Redress, an eco-style destination offering opportunities, resources and inspiration for re-making and creativity within a café / workshop setting. Redress aims to champion re-use as a viable, even desirable, habit.
Kevin Jones, with Graham Bryan and Michael Kirby, has established Twisted Studio, a software developing house focusing on games technology. They aim to produce the fastest mobile content prototyping tool set on the market. Enabling more games to be built in less time, the tool is expected to work on 99% of mobile devices
Kiran Khan has developed an idea for a business creating made-to-measure ethnic evening and bridal wear aimed at Asian and Western customers within the UK. Kiran wanted also to focus on accessories and a ready-to-wear collection.
Comic illustrator Lizz Lunney has launched a quarterly comic, sold online and in shops - with plans for spin-off merchandise based on the characters. Already she has stockists for her first edition, Waiting for Sushi, created as part of the Stripsearchers scheme run by Hi8us.
Louise Hepworth has embarked on a venture to produce bespoke photographic artworks for corporate environments such as conference centres, hotels and offices. She targets places that can often feel sterile but which need to mark themselves out from their competitors and inspire users.
Marc Williamson has established Halch Ltd, a games development company focusing on the handheld games market. Winner of Digital City's Best New Business Idea award, Halch represented the North East's games cluster in Japan. Now attracting the attention of some of the UK's largest publishers, Halch is undertaking work to boost its global profile.
Marie-Therese McCann has received support for her business idea, designing interactive content for mobile phones. The service aims to deliver content ranging from interactive brochures to timetables or company videos, to complement a company's existing marketing strategy.
Mark Esaias has established the Hello Friends Theatre company. Their project, Eat Me, exploring the role of food through live art and contemporary theatre, is to tour after opening at the Carriageworks Theatre, in Leeds.
Martyn Mills has established starvinartist, a graphic design and project management consultancy working primarily within the creative and cultural sectors.
Matt Grimes has developed an idea for a mobile radio school. An affordable and creative media service targeted at 14 - 18 year-olds, it ams to provide workshops for groups that fall outside of mainstream media projects for geographical, social or educational reasons.
Michael Kelly has established Construct Photographic, providing photography services for up and coming designers. Michael collaborates with designers to showcase their talents worldwide through his creative imagery
Naathan Morton has embarked on a business venture to establish Splashment, a series of young people's discos which give teenagers a degree of control in shaping their own event. After visiting a designated website, under 18s use SMS messaging to vote for the acts they would like to see at the disco.
Oliver Horsman has launched Olice Productions, a multi-media production company specialising in Flash websites, DVDs and promotional videos, from corporate films to artists' showreels or coverage of live events.
Gallivant Multimedia Productions, a company set up by Orlaith Cullinane and Robert Hamilton, has developed a tool to allow people to interact with a virtual environment through their physical movement, using motion sensor interaction to generate audio and visual content. Orlaith believes it has the potential to replace the mouse and keyboard interface, with a range of applications, from e-learning to exhibitions.
Film editor Pascal Morrison has developed an idea for an online resource aimed at helping people to achieve happiness, peace, health and wellbeing in their lives. The website would contain films, articles and courses in disciplines such as yoga to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Together with three colleagues, Paul Byass has designed a new generation cot, Intellicot, with audio-visual monitoring, automated rocking system, temperature control and a self-raising mattress to spare parents' backs. Third in the 2006 Ideal Home Show's concept product competition, the Intellicot has been tipped as 'one to watch' by Business Week."
Paula Tew has designed the Hoshii Quoob, a small, low-level piece of furniture which functions as a coffee table, a surface for playing games and somewhere to store board games - as well as being a decorative piece of art.
Peter Maxwell Dixon has developed a mobile recording studio so portable it can be used to record a studio session or live concert anywhere. Chosen for the Graduate Music Entrepreneur Scheme, Peter's longer term aim is to develop technologies to enable new, more flexible methods of recording.
Animator Praveen Chrispugg has established a business delivering creative content for mobile phones, focusing on visual or video ringtones and greetings. Having already signed a contract agreement with one of Europe's top mobile content companies, Praveen is now approaching clients across the Middle East , China and America.
Rachel O'Neill has created Looplaa, a Velcro kit which enables people to customise their own funky lampshades.
Ray Morgan has developed an idea for a furniture range which incorporates sustainable and recyclable, environmentally-friendly materials. Targeting customers with an interest in contemporary culture, art and graphic design, he aims to create retrospective and modern designs.
Richard Taylor has launched To What End, a multi-disciplinary creative practice which puts at its heart the need to ensure an outcome is worthwhile. He uses art and design disciplines to address anything inadequate, misunderstood or harmful - from troublesome products to unstimulating environments.
Rose Kane has developed a new approach to baking - placing logos and text within bread so the image appears on every slice. The aim is to appeal to a range of markets, from businesses seeking an innovative promotional tool to shoppers looking for a flavoursome loaf.
Visual artist Sandie Henderson specialises in contemporary equine art. NESTA funding has enabled her to begin developing her sculpture into foundry bronze, opening up new markets within specialist fine art galleries. Her work has since been accepted for an international lithography exhibition, opening at the Museum of Modern Art for Wales before touring the UK and America.
Freelance photographer Sara Bailey puts her subjects in famous, sometimes iconic, images including paintings, fairy tales and film clips. Using people, props and location, she creates a photographic likeness of an original work.
Designer Sarah Locke has established a fashion company producing directional womenswear. Her contemporary collections are aimed at the top end of the ready-to-wear market.
Musician, composer and digital artist Simon Adcock has begun to develop software to enable laptop musicians to jam together over the Internet. Since taking part in Insight Out, Simon has been able to collaborate with other individuals and companies to help progress his plans.
Simon Kaguramamba has launched Raw Urban Talent, an urban talent data bank. Through his web and graphic design business, Simon offers aspiring musicians the tools and services to promote themselves on and offline.
Textile designer Stephanie Hughes has developed a range of bespoke garden accessories for an environmentally-conscious market. Using 'eco-textiles' - natural fabrics and dyes which achieve organic quality - Stephanie wants to encourage people to interact with the environment, to 'grow their own' fruit and veg and to be hands-on in the garden.
Stephen Webb has launched a film production company, AEFilms, specialising in films, commercials, music videos and promos. Located in Birmingham, he is now concentrating on generating new business.
Stuart Varrell has established Fluid Pixel Studios, a media development company specialising in mobile phone and PSP content using Flash Lite. The company has so far created four games, all playable on any Flash-enabled device. Having achieved sales worldwide through the Internet, the studio is now seeking distributors.
Fund-raising consultant Suzie Devey-Humpleby has embarked on a venture to create a television treasure hunt. The idea follows on from her own appearance in The Search, a global treasure hunt televised on Channel 4. With interest from London-based media firms, Suzie is developing a new business, Red Hare.
Tim Joel has launched Cyan Training, a communication skills company. Early clients include the NHS and he has also secured a contract part-funded by the European Social Fund to deliver employability skills training.
Vanessa Haley has embarked on a career as a freelance fine art photographer, selling bespoke fine art images as well as shots from her portfolio. At the same time, she is a director of film photography, working on various projects.
Verity Hudson has developed Up North, an online magazine for students in the Leeds area. Featuring lifestyle, music and comedy, the magazine is intended as a vehicle for advertisers as well as being a useful guide for students.
Xenia Randle has launched Observatory Imaging to produce bespoke photography and artwork for the music industry. Her aim is to move away from predictable images by working with artists to visually communicate the concepts within their music.
Zara Parekh has established ZMP Photography, an event documentation service, specialising in cultural events within the creative hub of the West Midlands. Passionate about photojournalism, Zara has already documented the Insight Out end-of-programme showcase in Birmingham.
Zeleka Sutherland has joined forces with fellow Insight Out participant Daniella Genas, and two colleagues, to launch the events and promotional management company, Aspire4u. The company has already attracted media attention and organised Insight Out's successful end-of-programme exhibition in Birmingham.
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