A Huddersfield businessman has turned a lifelong passion for art into a successful business.
Mike Hall quit his role at a marketing agency in May 2023 to set up MJH ArtStudio, a creative business specialising in commissioned corporate artwork.
Now, two years later, the company is thriving thanks to a £12,500 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, secured with the help of the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
After studying art in college, Mike rediscovered his passion years later, sharing his work on social media.
The positive response was overwhelming, with people showing interest in purchasing his pieces.
Encouraged, Mike took a bold step, leaving his role in a marketing agency to pursue his artistic career full-time.
Recognising a gap in the market, MJH ArtStudio specialises in creating and supplying commissioned art to the corporate sector.
The business collaborates with interior designers, fit-out companies, architects and business owners to produce artwork that aligns with their brand identity.
More recently, the company has expanded its offerings to include interactive workshops where corporate teams create their own artwork to display in their workplaces.
Beyond the corporate world, MJH ArtStudio is making a meaningful impact by delivering a couple of workshops for the Candlelighters Trust, a charity that supports childhood cancer.
These workshops gave parents of the children the chance to take a break, express themselves creatively, connect and meet like-minded parents facing similar challenges.
Mike first learned about BEF through AD:VENTURE, a business support programme. He saw an opportunity to invest in equipment but recognised that maintaining healthy cash flow was essential.
After consulting with Marianne at AD:VENTURE, he decided that a Start Up Loan through BEF was the right choice for his business growth needs.
Mike said: “The process of securing the loan wasn’t overly complicated, and everything was straightforward.
“Having the funding in place gave me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on growing the business.
“It was about working more efficiently and taking the opportunity to elevate MJH ArtStudio to the next level.”
Julie Micklethwaite from BEF said: “Mike’s journey is a fantastic example of how creative businesses can flourish with the right support.
“His ability to merge artistry with corporate branding is unique, and we are excited to see MJH ArtStudio continue to grow.
“The Start Up Loan provided him with the foundation to scale effectively, and we look forward to supporting his future success.”
Marianne Smith, business manager at AD:VENTURE, said: “Mike has taken his love of art into the boardroom, creating beautifully branded abstract pieces for corporate reception areas and meeting spaces.
“It’s an incredible journey, and one I’ve been delighted to be part of alongside the AD:VENTURE team. With BEF’s Start Up Loan and AD:VENTURE’s Growth Grant, Mike’s art studio is now fully equipped.”
Thanks to the investment, MJH ArtStudio is well-positioned for future growth. Mike and his team are focused on expanding their workshop offerings and increasing the number of commissioned art projects.
They also plan to collaborate with other artists to provide a broader range of artistic styles for their clients.
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