the Evening Times continues to shine the spotlight on another of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success as the UK starts to recover from economic hardship.

Many new businesses are beginning to take off and this column aims to offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we talk to Joseph Andrew McLean of Partikular Films

What does your business do?

We make commercials, corporate videos, music videos and short films.

Where are you based?

Thanks to Digital Enterprise Glasgow my company is based at The Hub, Pacific Quay, Glasgow.

I was referred here by Jobs and Business Glasgow, who assisted me in starting my business.

It's a fantastic location and gives me an opportunity to grow my business while keeping costs to a minimum.

How did you get started?

I started making films at the University of Glasgow. I put them under the Partickular Films banner, but in 2013 I decided to branch out into corporate work, so that I could make a living from what I love doing.

I moved into the office in November 2013, after initially operating from home.

What is your

background ?

I returned to university as a mature student, studying English Literature and Politics, but I also studied Screenwriting at the University of Strathclyde.

During my course at Glasgow, I studied for a year at the University of California, where I also studied Screen- writing, and made short films.

This was the real springboard for me to seriously considering this career path.

What is your top tip?

Follow your dreams, even if that means sacrificing a few things. At first I felt I had taken a step back by going to uni as a mature student, leaving full-time work and pay.

However, it has more than paid off for me, by giving me an opportunity to live and study in the USA for a year and to set up my business.

How long has your business been running?

Around 5 months.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

Jobs and Business Glasgow helped me with me business plan and initial set-up. Business Gateway assisted with a grant and help in securing equipment.

DEG have been helpful in providing me with a wonderful office space in which to develop and grow my company.

What was your first deal?

One of the first things we shot was a music video for the Scottish band Casual Sex, who were about to go on a tour of the USA and Canada with Franz Ferdinand. It was a great opportunity for my fledgling production company and it has led to some great exposure and more work throughout Scotland.

What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?

Touch wood, I've not made any major mistakes yet.

However, I ran my own business when I was in my early 20s and feel like I made every mistake possible during that time.

I'd like to think I'm more aware of potential pitfalls and rookie mistakes.

Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

As a filmmaker I look up to people such as Oliver Stone and Shane Meadows, people who have something to say and are comfortable working in a variety of mediums from short films and documentaries to feature films.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

I want to continue to grow Partickular Films, progressing onto working on bigger projects and I'd like to think that in five years time, I will be in a position to shoot feature films in Scotland.

Useful contacts

partickularfilms@ gmail.com

www.partickularfilms.com