Walking Distance Maps - Took Advice!

NAME

Damian Gevertz and Martin Smith

COMPANY

Walking Distance Maps www.walkingdistance.co.uk

TYPE OF BUSINESS

Map design and production

BACKGROUND

Martin: Graduate from Oxford Polytechnic Cartographer and Freelance self-employed in Oxford and then Southampton. Damian: History / Archaeology Graduate

HOW THEY GOT STARTED

Damian always wanted to produce his own product and market it. He started his own business working from home in Southampton supplying �walking distance� maps / guides for local district areas. Martin had worked as a freelance cartographer in Oxford before moving to Southampton. They joined forces about three years ago and have not looked back. They started with a contract with First Buses and in 2002 produced Southampton and Portsmouth City Centre maps.

They now produce contract work for Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils and Havant Borough Council. They have also increased their range of maps to include other regional city and town centres.

They feel that their success is also due to hard work, careful spending, good team working and relationship with clients, diversifying their business / products and keeping track of their cash flow.

They have already moved offices from the High Street to Orchard House and are now looking to take on extra office space adjacent to them.

HELP FROM THE SOUTHAMPTON ENTERPRISE AGENCY

Damian and Martin have received varied advice from the Enterprise Agency over the last few years, such as cash flow; business planning; invoicing and accounts.

Damian says, �Every job is so exciting, I wouldn�t like to be employed by someone else now. I�ve always wanted to build a product and market it myself�. He adds regarding business plans, �a business plan only takes about 20 minutes to write and is so important. I have noticed so many small businesses close down, it is so unnecessary as there is so much advice available �.