Frances branches out

Nov 3 2009 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

THE social media revolution is opening up new avenues for a Middlesbrough business that started life as a video production company.

Since Redcar entrepreneur Frances Calvey launched Kirkwood Media last year, she has broadened the business into a strategic communications agency offering film and audio solutions across a range of mobile platforms as well as training, marketing and advertising support.

The business, which has won work from Stockton Council, Cleveland Police and children’s hospice Zoe’s Place, is hoping to take on staff to capitalise on the social media boom.

Earlier this month Frances completed a six-month fellowship at Teesside University, which helped her to branch into web and mobile platform-based video production.

The media production graduate says: “A year ago I couldn’t have predicted that the business would take this course. Recently I was shooting a flat-roofing video for a building company to use as a training tool for its customers.

“You wouldn’t have thought there’s a link between a building firm and a video production company.”

She worked in radio for several years, including stints at local stations, before becoming a freelance video producer, then launching her company in 2008.