A Year Since Lockdown - Neil Moore

Today we're talking to Neil Moore of Moore Photographics based near Marlborough. Neil has been running his business with its own studio for several years and he holds a licentiateship with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP). He works with businesses across the UK and has a special passion for manufacturing, planes, trains and cars, architecture, marine and agricultural photography.

March 23 marks a year since lockdown began and the reality of the pandemic hit the UK. What are your memories of that day? 

A feeling of complete dread after just watching all my actual orders being switched off. Bills to be paid and no income. 

Thinking back, how did you anticipate the way forward for your business over those first few days? 

I must confess my primary concern was to explore how my business would be able to do to generate income during lockdown. It was a very gloomy feeling to see that nothing was allowed. Then to find out that the lifeline being offered did not apply to the self employed was an extremely unpleasant experience. Being not worthy of consideration made the early days extremely stressful. 

What actions did you take to save/change/pivot/support your business? 

I am fortunate in that over the years I have a number of business ventures that had been in various stages of dormancy. I closely looked at these to see which I could focus on for work immediately and which I could develop ready for when the time would be right and lockdown would end.

Name any positive outcomes of the last year for your business? 

a. My IT business turned out to be my saviour, with nearly all my existing clients calling upon my services to revamp their offerings, hardware support etc.

b. I learnt new skills to offer through my photography business

c. The time has allowed me to develop four new products during the last year (for yet another business) and I plan to obtain patents in the next few months, and in due course release them for manufacture and take them to market..

Name any positive outcomes for you personally over the last year?

Being in business is never easy, with always something to be worried about. However I am pleased that I maintained a positive attitude, found new business options to explore and apply, reconnected with friends and family who had drifted apart.

What do you most look forward to doing IN BUSINESS as we slowly move out of lockdown? 

a. I am most looking forward to seeing existing clients in person, and prospective clients face to face without a mask. To see a smile or frown is priceless.

b. Being able to do the photographic jobs I have been unable to do during lockdown

What do you most look forward to doing IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE as we slowly move out of lockdown.

I am really looking forward to being able to take up my photographic travels again. Photographing everything and anything in Scotland and Scandinavia were two trips I had had planned before the pandemic.

What are your predictions for business generally in late 2021 into 2022? 

Debt repayment is, in my opinion, the issue and primary indicator as to how quickly growth can occur. The new trading arrangements and extra cost to trade with our previous overseas partners has put a new pressure on my existing clients which has caused some concern.  

All said and done there will be growth as there was after the first lockdown, but not from borrowed money and therefore not at the same pace.

Name one person who has been a lockdown hero for you over the last year? 

This is going to be a cliché and not one person – it has to be my parents. They have worried for me, been supportive and extremely encouraging during these trying times.

Name one business which has been heroic for you or your community over the last year? 

There have been a number of existing clients that come to mind. But the highest on the list has to be Scott Media.  They have pushed and promoted my business throughout, which has generated business during these hard times, and I feel we are now in an even stronger position to motor forward.

And finally:

Stay positive, stay focused, have a plan, surround yourself with strong advocates (friends) and you will succeed.

For more information visit https://www.moore-photographics.com