James Kerr
James Kerr, a Doncaster based animator, has seen both sides of the Success Doncaster programme from being a client working with CIDA’s – Success Doncaster’s creative industries contractor - Innovation process to mentoring start up businesses in the Borough.
CIDA got in touch with James following a recommendation by Screen Yorkshire.
He said: “Before working with CIDA, I had not really engaged with the Doncaster business community as my work such a niche sector meant that contracts were mainly outside the area.”
“At first when I was approached about mentoring I was hesitant because I thought my skills very too specific, and wasn’t sure who I could help. What I learned quickly though was that most businesses needed two things; firstly confidence, someone there to reassure them that they can do it and secondly things technical knowledge such as and what software to use or how to do accounts and tax.
“It’s been great to work with other businesses and as a mentor you feel proud of the businesses you work with and have a genuinely desire for them to grow and succeed. Mentoring has put me back in touch with the community again and it’s great to speak with people who are in the area but I may not have dealt with before as they are in other sectors to me.
“I’ve learned a lot of new skills around dealing with people which has put me in good stead for employing my own staff, which I intend to shortly.”
As well as mentoring, James has received Innovation support for his own company through the Success Doncaster scheme.
Of his coaching experience he said: “It’s refreshing to talk to somebody outside of your business, who sees it differently to you and from another perspective. It can be difficult when working alone to see your faults so having somebody there to offer friendly advice and clarity on your business was really good. Techniques around brainstorming and focusing on particular issues helped me to see issues properly and clarify them, on paper, so that they became easier to act on.”
James has some exciting opportunities and is working on a couple of new shows to be aired in Holland and then broadcast on the BBC later next year.
Help is Available!
To see what help Success Doncaster can give you please visit the Help Available area of this website using the link below:
