A new photo processing studio has been opened in York thanks to the help of Business Link services.

Former design manager Steven Kershaw has launched York Digital Image in Bridge Street to enhance pictures and produce high quality photographic prints.

He was helped by Business Link, which gives advice and support to people setting up small and medium-sized businesses.

It provides a single point of contact for businesses, and enables people to access IT services, e-business, sales, design and finance.

Steven said: "The convenience of digital photography means that people are taking more photographs than ever, and with my previous experience and passion for the medium, I wanted to set up a company that would primarily process and enhance the quality of bland, processed photographs.

"Although I had suitable experience in photography, I lacked the strategy behind setting up a business."

Steven's business adviser, Mike Everitt, assisted with his business plan, and

helped him overcome setbacks.

Mike said: "Steven has a real passion for photography, and when he came to me with his business idea, I felt it had great potential.

"However, to ensure that the idea was commercially viable, I took an objective look at his business plan, and we worked through it together to make sure it was robust."

Steven has already secured a deal with Photo-me, a worldwide operator of

automatic photo booths and manufacturer of photographic development and printing equipment, to install the second machine of its type in the UK.

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, December 08, 2005