Ian Daisley Photography
31 March 2026
Sector: Creative
Location: Derbyshire Dales
Ian Daisley Photography was established in 2008. The business is based in Via Gellia Mill, Bonsall where it has been based since 2009.
Ian’s services have included weddings, family portraits (studio and on location) holiday property, company events, landscapes, product photography and more. Ian also tutors photography and is a lecturer for photography clubs.
In 2024 Ian moved the business to a smaller unit to concentrate more on commercial work, small product photography, printing and design.
Challenges faced
The business has been successful in securing work through word of mouth and repeat business, whether that’s photographing products, property interiors/exteriors, people, art collections, food & drink, or the delivery of art lectures and tuition.
However, with a desire to concentrate more on commercial photography instead of weddings and portraits – the main source of income initially – the business needed to take a more strategic approach to marketing activity for these commercial markets.
As well as developing this market, Ian also needed to promote the new services of graphic design, layout and printing for items such as books, leaflets, posters and brochures.
Solution – Support Given
Ian Daisley Photography has been supported by East Midlands Chamber’s Head of Business Support Services, Paul Stuart and the Accelerator project. As well as receiving one-to-one business advice on future growth, the business successfully applied for a Growth Voucher which funded specialist marketing consultancy support from Rebecca Erskine of Yellow Bird Marketing and Communications.
Ian comments: “Rebecca supported me in building a marketing plan. This will provide focus and direction for my future marketing activities. I’ve also received recommendations on the activities I needed to prioritise, to build a credible and professional brand.”
To build his website skills Ian also attended an Accelerator WordPress Masterclass last year.
In addition, a Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council has enabled the business to invest in a new printer to expand its printing to A1 size (previously up to A2) which means Ian Daisley Photography can now print larger posters, technical drawings and shop window displays.
Impact - The Difference it’s Made
The support has helped Ian take a step back from his business and see where to focus his efforts.
Ian added: “I now have a clear marketing plan and know which priority actions to implement. We’ve nailed my values – offering quality and being professional, friendly and knowledgeable – and how I can communicate that through case studies, social posts and web copy.”
A stakeholder map has been built which will help Ian see how and where he can develop his network including the East Midlands Manufacturing Network, Business Peak District and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. Finally, a rolling plan on how to reach out to his ideal clients has been created.
Ian is aware that it will take time and effort to implement the marketing plan so is planning to set aside a certain number of hours each month. He added: “By building proof that I’m a trusted partner, connecting with the right people, engaging in networks where my target customers are and sharing useful information on social media, I’m confident that my ideal commercial projects and partners will start to emerge organically.”
“Having a fully rounded plan has been really useful for me. Rebecca has taken time to understand what I do and the areas that the business needs to develop.
Actions such as engaging with clients, creating content, networking and membership of business organisations in my sector will be of great help going forward. As a sole trader I am often focused only on delivering the work in hand, but this plan will help me to develop those other areas which are just as important.”
- Ian Daisley, Owner
