Pictured above: Miles Newbold
Miles Newbold's venture of setting up a recording studio is
making sweet music thanks to a little help from Business Link.
The Chicken Shack is a recording and rehearsal studio based in
Carlton Road in Nottingham. It offers rehearsal and recording space
to musicians and boasts an impressive range of equipment and
instruments.
Music for all
"We want to provide a top class facility for local musicians,"
explains owner Miles. "We have a great range of equipment, some of
which is vintage and rare and we aim to make the use of a
professional studio affordable to people. Part of this
approach is that we offer bands the opportunity to pay for the
facilities on a monthly basis which affords them unlimited access
for that period of time."
Another way that the team at Chicken Shack is encouraging local
talent is by offering workshops in recording to small groups of
budding enthusiasts. "These events give people the
opportunity to have a specific role in recording a live band,"
explains Miles. "It's a great way for them to gain first hand
experience of the necessary skills needed for recording live
music."
Chicken shack also offers tuition on an hourly basis as well as
instrument and equipment hire for studio use from a range including
a John Brinsmead baby Grand Piano, a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano,
a Hammond B3 organ, a MOOG mini Moog and a Wurlitzer Electric
Piano.
Spreading the word
Miles contacted the local Business Link service when he was
looking for help to market the business. "I had lots of ideas on
how to promote Chicken Shack and wanted to talk them through with a
business expert who could act as a sounding board.
"Working with a Business Link adviser was great as I was able to
discuss my ideas with him and shape my marketing accordingly. It
was good to have someone impartial listening to my plans and I wish
I'd contacted them earlier."
With Chicken Shack up and running, Miles is pleased with
progress and feels that the business is on track to meet its
targets. "Things are going well and we've got some exciting
challenges ahead. Our adviser has been great and I will certainly
be contacting Business Link again as the company develops."
Miles' Top tips
• Believe in your idea
• Work through the difficulties