Stroud-based entrepreneur, Emma James has launched the first business offering full production and location management support to film and television companies on location in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Film and Location Office plans to attract crews from across the globe to the region by offering her industry expertise alongside her local knowledge of the area.
Emma has lived in Stroud for nearly 20 years, while her career in film and production has taken her all over the world. She has also worked on some of the UK’s most successful television series, such as Lewis, Casualty, Cider with Rosie and The Causal Vacancy.
Emma approached SWIG Finance for finance to grow her business as well as raise the profile of the Cotswolds, hoping to boost tourism and benefit other businesses in the area.
Successfully securing a £4,000 loan from the government-backed Start Up Loans Scheme, Emma said: “I initially looked for bank funding, but I was seen as high-risk because my work has always been intermittent, due to the nature of the industry.
“Securing the funding through SWIG Finance was a great experience. They were incredibly helpful but put me through my paces, ensuring I had a rigorous business plan in place.”