A Star is Born

Ambitious students Katrina Atherton and John Stark launched their film and media production business, A Star Media, while still at university.

The fledgling company celebrated its first birthday in January and its two owners, now graduates, have set themselves the goal of being the ‘go-to’ provider of budget media in Nottinghamshire by 2012 and for the whole of the East Midlands by 2015.


Katrina Atherton

A Star’s first contract was with Bolsover District Council. “Lee Hickin, head of leisure services at Bolsover DC took a leap of faith in setting on a new team with no real evidence of what we could do,” said Katrina. “But they were so pleased with the final production that we’ve had two more projects from them and on their recommendation we’ve also had work from Creswell Parish Council and the Bolsover Wellness Programme.”

The company has also completed projects for Castle College, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Police, Rotherham 2010, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Youth Performing Group and Connaught PLC.

A Star was always keen to provide their services to the public sector and after attending a few networking events, were introduced to LEO Supply Chain Co-ordinator David Dillon, who sent them for LEO’s free training in tendering for public sector contracts and advised them to get in touch with a LEO Business Coach. “Geoff Husband, our Business coach has been fantastic,” said Katrina. “He’s brilliant at giving our confidence a boost and has helped us with tips on generating more business and getting the company to work better.”

A Star has now been offered accommodation at the Langford Road Business Place in Mansfield. “It’s affordable for us and gets A Star Media out of my parent’s study,” said Katrina. A Star has also picked up new business from Baggaley and Jenkins and is working on new projects with Bolsover Wellness Programme and Creswell Parish Council.

For more information about A Star Media visit www.astarmedia.org.uk or call 07821 417646.

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