The Next Step is run in conjunction with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum – a membership organisation that brings together business owners at all stages of their journey to share experiences, knowledge and support.

Name of business: Superkrush Films
Location: Newcastle
Line of business: Film production
Director: Chris Taylor How long have you been established?
Eight years.

What have been the biggest achievements so far?
Winning two Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards and producing the North East’s first digital feature film, Sub Zero.

What have been the biggest hurdles so far?
Recruitment has been the toughest part for me. Finding the right people at the right time. Hopefully if you have a good profile, they can find you, but it’s always a tricky process.

Where do you go for advice?
I have a business mentor who works outside the region and gives great objective advice.
I am also increasingly turning to Entrepreneurs’ Forum members for advice and support.

How is running the business different from the early days?
I now have a much bigger support network and very capable and creative staff.

Have you met your financial targets?
It tends to be more about creative targets, so no I haven’t. However, that is about to change as we grow and expand.

How do you attract sales?
A great reputation mixed with a sales strategy, marketing and PR.

How has your business plan changed?
It has grown to the size of the phonebook.

What does the future hold?
This year I will be continuing to work on Superkrush’s sister company Engage TV – a not-for-profit company specialising in engaging communities in filmmaking. We have many exciting projects coming up, which involve thought-provoking drama and innovative TV and film productions, by exploring solutions to problems usually associated with young people.

Are you glad you did it?
I could not imagine life any other way.