Tigz Rice

Sector-focused support helps photographer shoot for growth

The challenge

Tigz Rice is an empowering portrait photographer who helps people of all genders celebrate their bodies, as well as raising the visibility of both their personal and corporate brands. The Covid pandemic hit her company hard and overnight she lost months of business. Worse, she was ineligible for some of the government financial support packages and was also required to shield during the pandemic.

The solution

Just as the worst of the pandemic was coming to an end, Tigz discovered Hertfordshire Growth Hub. We supported Tigz by assisting her to access one-to-one mentoring through the Volunteer Business Support Scheme delivered by the University of Hertfordshire, who were also able to support her through their Incubator services. In addition to the professional and impartial advice she received, we were also able to suggest a grant scheme 'Respond, Adapt and Strengthen' that enabled Tigz to upgrade her technology as she pivoted her business to offer remote photo shoots.

Our relationship continued with this business and in 2022 Tigz was successful in applying for the Hertfordshire Growth Hub-backed Screen Tourism Development Programme (part of Herts Camera Action). The innovative scheme was designed to help businesses in the county accelerate new-product creation through an £8,000 grant and a package of intensive support. This included mentoring, product development courses and market research and testing.   

The results

The ongoing support from Hertfordshire Growth Hub spanning over two years helped Tigz weather the pandemic, while the Screen Tourism Development Programme allowed her to rapidly create two new high-value products. The Regency Ball and Planes & Pinups are lavish creative workshops designed to help budding and established photographers find inspiration and explore their skills in a playful way.

The programme allowed Tigz to build powerful networks with other businesses to secure locations, test the market and invest in expensive costumes, models and lighting equipment. She estimates the programme has enabled her to bring these products to market several years faster than without it, setting her up for an exciting period of business growth after an incredibly challenging time.

Here is what Tigz Rice had to say about the help she received from Hertfordshire Growth Hub:

"I wish I’d found Hertfordshire Growth Hub sooner because I’ve had so much help over the past couple of years. The support and grant focused on the media industry has been a dream, enabling me to take risks, build contacts and feel part of the community here. I’m really positive about the future and I’m ready to push the business forward over the next year."