A portable video recording service where guests at special events can record video messages as mementos is expanding following ESF (European Social Fund) training support.
The Diary Box Ltd was founded by Colin Carter after he read about a similar business model in London.
Guests at events such as weddings and birthday parties can go into the box to record their messages. The Diary Box Ltd, which is based in Truro, provides all the equipment required – including props – and edits the DVDs afterwards as part of the service.
As the business developed, Carter felt that his graphics and stationery needed to be more professional, so he took a Level 2 ITQ Award in IT User skills, focusing on the professional graphic design software packages.
He was able to do this through the Work Place Learning project (WPL) via Digital Peninsula Network (DPN). WPL receives £7.8 million ESF Convergence investment and is aimed at helping 6,000 workers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly progress in their careers through tailored training and development.
Carter said: “The training was really useful, and that is just scratching the surface. I have put everything that I learned to good use and continue to do so. My biggest challenge is marketing and getting onto peoples wedding lists. Thanks to DPN I can present a far more professional product, in both the marketing stage and the finished product.”
Janus Howard, MD of Digital Peninsula Network, added: “The training that Colin has received from DPN has helped his business save money and improve the quality of its work. DPN is very pleased to be able to offer computer training funded by the ESF Convergence WPL project to businesses in Cornwall, helping businesses to grow and increasing employment opportunities.”
