Former music director’s business hits the right note thanks to Shropshire support

 Stavros Kokkinos says the support and advice offered by the hub – through manager Emma Chapman and colleague Anna Sadler – has been ‘instrumental’ in the business going from strength to strength in its first 12 months.

Stavros launched Opus Media Productions in September 2023 after 20 years at Concord College, near Shrewsbury, where he was director of music.

The business specialises in videos, podcasts, live streaming, studio recording, mixing and mastering and location recording, as well as event PA and lighting – using all the skills Stavros developed during his career teaching music.

Stavros  said: “The Shropshire Growth Hub has been a tremendous help and fundamental to the development of my business. I feel very privileged to have had all the support they have given me.

“It’s a big step to launch a business and take it to fruition and the help from the Shropshire Growth Hub and the experience of all the people involved has been very important to me.

“It is amazing that so much help and support is available here in Shropshire and that so much of it is free. I speak to a lot of other business owners in the county and I know that they all feel the same.

“The advice, support and opportunities are all so well organised, and all the specialists and advisors come so highly recommended, with the experience and knowledge which can help any new business to succeed.”

Support Stavros has received from the Shropshire Growth Hub includes taking part in the UKSPF Shropshire Start Up Programme for new businesses, six hours of support through the UKSPF Business Boost 360 programme and one-to-one support with specialist business advisor Jamie Pratt. 

It has also included attendance at more than half a dozen events, seminars and workshops including the full-day Shropshire Digital Summit, Evolve Masterclass Series, Kim Gilmour digital marketing sessions, two communications workshops with voice professional Emma Alston and a podcasting masterclass with Ed Nell of Media Insiders.

Stavros and Media Insiders have now joined forces as a result of meeting at the event to create a ‘powerhouse for podcast production’.

“Ed’s workshop was really inspirational," added Stavros. "We have now decided to partner to offer Ed’s podcast production services and my recording studio as a package, which is very exciting.

“I was lucky enough to attend another free workshop with Emma Alston, who showed us how to improve our presentational skills and who was quite wonderful. 

“The day was great and sparked an idea that Emma and I could collaborate together so we are now hatching a plan around the idea. 

“Things are looking good. This first year has been about making contacts and moving my network forward. Now the next year will be about setting my roots a little deeper.

“If I was giving advice to any other business in the county it would be to make use of the Shropshire Growth Hub. And if you do nothing else, I strongly urge you to sign up to their newsletter to see exactly what help and support they can offer you.”

Emma Chapman, Shropshire Growth Hub manager, said: “The growth hub is here to help all businesses, whatever stage of the journey they are on, and it is always particularly pleasing to see a new start-up enjoy such a strong first year.

“Stavros has really made the most of all the support and help the growth hub and our experts can offer and it is certainly paying off. It’s wonderful to see how the growth hub’s extensive network helps bring people together to spark new ideas and create fresh business opportunities.”

Business Boost 360 and the Shropshire Start Up programme are funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The UKSPF is £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. It aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. 

Shropshire Growth Hub has teamed up with the British Business Bank to stage a special Start Up workshop at Shrewsbury Town’s stadium on January 28. 

For more details  visit marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/events