Tynemouth-based photographer credits her successful business to the community
A Tynemouth-based photographer has credited the success of her small business to support from the local community.
Sophie Parkinson, 33, first became passionate about photography when she studied it in school and, after university, decided to launch her own business in 2015, trading at Tynemouth Market. Much of her inspiration comes from the coastline and beaches around her hometown, particularly Longsands Beach and the North Pier.
Sophie said: "I love how landscape photography gets me out to new places and challenges me to be creative, because I can't control the elements around me. We've got such a variety of landscapes from seaside to countryside, and so much history, so I never get tired of photographing it.”
Sophie’s story comes as research, commissioned by VodafoneThree, highlights the role mobile connectivity plays in helping people turn inspiration into opportunity.
The study of 2,000 Brits found the best ideas come while outside the home, including while walking (33 per cent), spending time alone (33 per cent) and in nature (29 per cent).
More than a third are inspired while at the coast or beach (36 per cent), while others said the same of the countryside (34 per cent) or in woodlands or forests (24 per cent).
Sophie believes Tynemouth is a great place to start a business as it has so many small businesses that help each other out. Now eleven years on, the local community remains supportive of her business, and she has a loyal base of customers who come back to buy her products time and time again.
Sophie said: "I love the joy that photography brings to the people who buy my prints, especially when those prints are of places that people have got special connections to - being rooted here in the community is valuable and so special.”
The research also found 74 per cent feel inspired by their everyday surroundings, while 55 per cent said their local area fuels their inspiration. And when inspiration strikes, 35 per cent use their smartphone to immediately search for more information.
For Sophie, reliable connectivity plays an important part in her creative process. As she scouts locations, Sophie relies on her smartphone to check weather conditions and use specialist apps that track where the sun and moon will rise and set, helping her plan the perfect shot.
She also uses her phone to capture potential locations while she is out and about, so she can return later with her camera when the conditions are just right.
Sophie said: "If I didn't have mobile connectivity for my business, nobody would know about what I do. It's such a great way of spreading the word and showing people my work, and lots of opportunities have opened up for me thanks to being able to be online and present.”
The research conducted by OnePoll.com also found more than 17 million moments of inspiration become real side hustles or small businesses across the UK every year. Of those who have ever started a business or side hustle, 11 per cent got their inspiration while spending time alone, nine per cent talking to friends or family and eight per cent while walking.
More than one in five (22 per cent) have also used their connection to work remotely, collaborate with other people (20 per cent) and share creative work (18 per cent).
To celebrate the places inspiring creativity and driving regional economic growth, Vodafone is bringing ‘Opportunity Hubs’ to locations across the country where network improvements are helping people stay connected, seize opportunities and turn inspiration into action.
To help Tynemouth locals turn ideas into action, Vodafone's Opportunity Hub will offer practical workshops from Enterprise Nation, free professional headshots and expert advice, showing how connectivity can help transform ambitions into hobbies, side hustles or businesses.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer at VodafoneThree, said: “As our research shows, we reach for our phones the moment inspiration strikes - another reason why fast, reliable connectivity is so important.
“It’s also why we’re investing £11 billion to build the UK’s best network, delivering high-quality connectivity to every corner of the country.
“In Tynemouth, Vodafone customers can now access up to 12 times faster 5G speeds thanks to our recent network upgrades, giving local people an even better connection when inspiration strikes.
“By delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity, we’re helping people in Tynemouth, and across the country, stay connected and make the most of every opportunity, wherever inspiration strikes.”