Dan Jolly - Start-up Case Study
Daniel Jolly graduated in 2024 with a degree in Sport Business. He now runs his own business, Dan J Media, a photography and videography business specialising in sports, music and live events after receiving support from the Start-up Hub.
What does your business do?
Dan J Media is a Photography and Videography business, specialising in Sports, Music & Live Events.
How did you get the idea to start your business?
In my final year we had a module where I decided I wanted to start my own project. I had just been handed down a camera from my grandad and I wanted to try to get into sport photography. Throughout the project I worked hard trying to improve and then after the project decided to carry on!
How did the Start-Up Hub help and support you?
The Start-Up Hub were a massive support for me and my business venture. They helped me learn more about insurance, tax and the day to day running of a business. They also supported me in helping me gain work opportunities within the University.
What has been the best thing about starting your business?
My proudest moment since starting the business was being asked to do some work for Birmingham City Football Club the team I support. Another moment that I'll always remember was being awarded 'best project' award on my graduation day.
What is the best thing about doing business in the Liverpool City Region?
There is a great creative network within Liverpool and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some great people here.
What was your biggest challenge in getting started up?
Costs - the cost of starting a media business and saving for a better camera and lenses to be able to improve is really difficult especially while in University. The University’s Bathgate Boost Award helped towards funding an upgrade to my equipment.
What advice would you give to an LJMU student thinking of starting their own business?
Do it. There's nothing to lose in trying a project and starting a business however big or small it may be at the time. It's a great way to learn about business and deal with different people to your friends. If it goes well, you'll find a new passion which you'll love and want to spend every day working on.
Are there any exciting plans for the future you can share with us?
I'm lucky to have a few retaining customers now within the music industry, so there are some exciting opportunities coming next year and hopefully a few more festivals. I'm also working hard within the sports industry, so hopefully they'll be more exciting projects to work on in 2025!
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch, or visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.