Photo Stuff Limited opens its first shop in Monkseaton

Oct 15 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN online business has moved into the world of bricks and mortar after securing funding to open its first shop.

Photo Stuff Ltd, which uses the latest technology to transfer photographs on to gifts and clothing, is aiming to target a new set of customers after opening for business in Monkseaton.

Former web designer Louise Midgley, who runs the enterprise with Mark Galley, said: “We just started as I was made redundant. We had a website where we were trading online, doing personalised mugs.

“When I was made redundant, rather than looking for a job, I decided to do this full time.”

She was able to secure £2,000 in grants from North Tyneside Council, which is aiming to revitalise local shopping areas by bringing in new businesses.

“We needed a base for what we were doing. We were running the business from home but we didn’t have enough space,” said Ms Midgley.

“We looked at units, which were cheaper, but we thought a shop front would be more professional.”

Despite the physical presence of the shop, most customers are bringing in their images in virtual form.

Ms Midgley said: “People come in with photos on memory cards and bluetooth from their mobiles, rather than old-fashioned photographs. We have the software and with my experience, I can do this.”

She is also using her skills to increase Photo Stuff Limited’s web presence with a series of specialised e-commerce sites due to appear on the internet in the run-up to Christmas, aimed at the public and business customers.

“We are networking with the chamber of trade in Whitley Bay and other businesses in the area to attract corporate clients,” said Ms Midgley.

:: To visit Photo Stuff Limited's online store go to www.photostufflimited.co.uk