From Side Project to Independent Creative Business
Business Overview
The Spinners Mill Studio is a podcast and DJ studio based in Banana Block, East Belfast.
Originally launched in 2023 as a side project within Banana Block, the founders Morgan and Conor formally took control of the business in October 2024 and established it as an independent partnership. Since then, the studio has grown into a flourishing creative hub offering podcast production, DJ studio services, and audio-visual support.
The Challenge
In the early stages, the founders operated under a studio concept that they did not control. While they had strong industry experience and creative ideas, they lacked autonomy, structure, and commercial clarity.
Key challenges included:
- No independent business plan
- No financial structure or funding strategy
- Limited control over branding and positioning
- Uncertainty around pricing
- Lack of confidence in the business model
- Minimal marketing structure
Although the creative capability was there, the business foundations were not.
Strategic Support Through GO Succeed
After enrolling in the Go Succeed programme, Morgan and Conor were paired with Clare, who collaborated closely with them to transform the studio from a side-project into a fully developed, structured business.
Support focused on:
- Challenging and refining the core business concept
- Developing a clear business plan and growth roadmap
- Securing an independent domain and establishing separation from the original host structure
- Reviewing and restructuring pricing through benchmarking against similar studios
- Identifying and accessing critical funding
- Initiating structured social media marketing
- Encouraging participation in workshops and business development sessions
Clare’s approach was direct and strategic. Rather than allowing the business to continue operating informally, she helped the founders make decisive moves that established independence, credibility and commercial viability.
Results
The shift has been measurable and significant.
Since receiving support, The Spinners Mill Studio has:
- Secured £10,000 in funding to remodel the studio and enhance video podcasting capability
- Increased new customer acquisition
- Developed regular returning clients
- Expanded into hosting small events
- Begun providing internal AV services for other businesses in the area
- Built a collaborative network of freelancers supporting artwork and client delivery
- Established reciprocal partnerships with other businesses for web design and branding
The studio is also preparing to launch a full rebrand that reflects its new positioning and growth ambitions.
The Impact
Beyond the numbers, the most significant change has been confidence and clarity.
Morgan and Conor moved from feeling constrained and uncertain to operating with autonomy, structure and forward momentum. They now make decisions based on strategy rather than hesitation.
The support provided not just tactical guidance, but commercial confidence and access to valuable business networks, funding routes and professional development opportunities.
In Their Words
“Working with Clare has been genuinely one of the best opportunities we have had for our business. We were apprehensive at the beginning. We had industry experience but lacked the business acumen and confidence to fully take the leap.
Clare has so many great recommendations for business networks, founder meetups, online educational resources, funding opportunities and brilliant general advice for gaining confidence as a business owner. She is a seasoned entrepreneur and has so much valuable insight to share.”
Future Plans
The Spinners Mill Studio is ambitious about its next phase of growth.
Plans include:
- Expanding into a second studio space
- Launching a high-spec mobile podcasting unit
- Continuing to grow its client base across podcasting, DJ services and AV
- Potentially launching its own in-house podcast
With stronger foundations, funding secured and renewed confidence, the studio is now operating as an independent, growth-focused creative business rather than a side project.
The Spinners Mill (the website is currently being updated with their new branding)
