Sophie Parkinson, 33, a photographer from Tynemouth, has credited her local community and reliable mobile connectivity for the success of her small business, which she launched in 2015 after studying photography at school and university. Trading at Tynemouth Market, much of her inspiration comes from the coastline and beaches around her hometown, particularly Longsands Beach and the North Pier.
Community support and inspiration
Sophie's story comes as research, commissioned by VodafoneThree, highlights the role mobile connectivity plays in helping people turn inspiration into opportunity. Sophie relies on her phone to track when the sun rises and sets for her photography, and she believes Tynemouth is a great place to start a business because the many small businesses in the area love to support one another.
Eleven years on, the local community continues to support her business, and she has a loyal base of customers who return to buy her products time and time again. Sophie said: "I love how landscape photography gets me out to new places and challenges me to be creative, because I can't control the elements around me. We've got such a variety of landscapes from seaside to countryside, and so much history, so I never get tired of photographing it."
Research findings on inspiration
The study of 2,000 Brits found the best ideas tend to come while outside the home, including while walking (33%), spending time alone (33%) and in nature (29%). Many feel inspired by what nature has to offer, with more than a third feeling inspired while at the coast or beach (36%), while others said the same of the countryside (34%) or in woodlands or forests (24%).
The research also found three-quarters (74%) feel inspired by their everyday surroundings, while 55% said their local area fuels their inspiration. When inspiration strikes, 35% use their smartphone to immediately search for more information.
Role of mobile connectivity
As she scouts locations, Sophie relies on her smartphone to check weather conditions and use specialist apps that track where the sun and moon will rise and set, helping her plan the perfect shot. She also uses her phone to capture potential locations while out and about, so she can return later with her camera when conditions are just right.
Sophie said: "If I didn't have mobile connectivity for my business, nobody would know about what I do. It's such a great way of spreading the word and showing people my work, and lots of opportunities have opened up for me thanks to being able to be online and present."
Opportunity Hubs and network upgrades
The research, conducted by OnePoll.com, also found more than 17 million moments of inspiration become money-making side hustles or small businesses across the UK every year. Of those who have ever started a business or side hustle, 11% got their inspiration while spending time alone, 9% talking to friends or family and 8% while walking. More than one in five (22%) have also used their internet connection to work remotely, collaborate with other people (20%) and share creative work (18%).
To celebrate the places inspiring creativity and driving regional economic growth, Vodafone is bringing 'Opportunity Hubs' to locations across the country where network improvements are helping people stay connected. To help Tynemouth locals turn ideas into action, Vodafone's Opportunity Hub will offer practical workshops from Enterprise Nation, free professional headshots and expert advice.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer at VodafoneThree, said: "As our research shows, we reach for our phones the moment inspiration strikes - another reason why fast, reliable connectivity is so important. It's also why we're investing £11 billion to build the UK's best network, delivering high-quality connectivity to every corner of the country. In Tynemouth, Vodafone customers can now access up to 12 times faster 5G speeds thanks to our recent network upgrades, giving local people an even better connection when inspiration strikes. By delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity, we're helping people in Tynemouth, and across the country, stay connected and make the most of every opportunity, wherever inspiration strikes."
