Greg Childs, founder of photography business Trackside Focus®, says that by working with The Albert Gubay Business School at VRƵ, he wanted to gain a clearer understanding of who his customers are, how they find and interact with the business, and what motivates them to book a workshop.
“I wanted a deeper and clearer understanding of my business, particularly my customers. The insight allows me to grow and expand more effectively, refine marketing strategies and make better, more informed decisions,” says Greg.
Trackside Focus® is a global platform dedicated to amateur and aspiring motorsport photographers, with a clear mission: helping motorsport photographers turn passion into opportunity. The company delivers hands-on photography workshops for all skill levels, from beginners through to advanced photographers, alongside a select number of media-accredited workshops for those seeking career-focused training and professional development.
“Trying and failing is part of running a small business,” adds Greg, who is originally from Bedfordshire. “But having solid data, research and analysis as a foundation is incredibly beneficial. It allows me to approach growth with greater confidence.”
As a result of the scheme, and through working with business lecturers - Dr Heather He, Lecturer in Data Science and Analytics and Dr Hanxiong Zhang, Senior Lecturer - Trackside Focus® now has a robust dataset and strategic framework to guide future expansion.
“I now have comprehensive analysis to inform how I market the business, attract and retain customers, measure return on investment and assess customer value. It gives me the foundation to expand and develop what I believe can become an industry-leading ecosystem for motorsport photographers.”
Dr Heather He, Lecturer in Data Science/Analytics at The Albert Gubay School said: “We’re delighted to use our data analytics expertise to support Trackside Focus®. We’re also grateful to the SIV scheme for creating a genuinely productive model of university–industry collaboration that turns our professional skills into tangible social value.”
Trackside Focus® began its journey in 2023, inspired by Greg’s long-held dream of becoming a Formula 1 photographer. Although that ambition didn’t ultimately come to fruition, he spent the six years before launching his business in refining his skills across a wide range of photographic styles. After relocating to north Wales — and a short period working in hospitality alongside freelance photography — he took the leap to launch his own venture, made possible through the support of his grandfather’s inheritance. Reflecting on his journey, he admits entrepreneurship — rather than photography itself — has been his greatest passion.
“I was never the most naturally gifted photographer. What I truly love is being an entrepreneur and building a business from the ground up. Running my own company has been the most challenging adventure I’ve ever undertaken — but also the most rewarding and enjoyable, even on the toughest days.”
International travel is now a key feature of the business, with Trackside Focus®® delivering workshops in destinations including Dubai, France, Budapest and Barcelona, alongside extensive UK events at circuits such as Oulton Park in Cheshire, Silverstone in Nottinghamshire and Brands Hatch in Kent. Dubai stands out as one of the most inspiring destinations, but Greg says returning home to north Wales always brings perspective.
“It can be challenging at times, with the nearest airports in Liverpool or Manchester and the closest major race circuit being Oulton Park. Still, I always appreciate returning to such a beautiful part of the country after being away.”
Nicola Sturrs, Business Development Manager at VRƵ said: “We are delighted to have collaborated with Greg at Trackside Focus® ®, and we look forward to continuing all our business relationships going forward. Our Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme has proved to be extremely popular since it began in 2024, and we have to date collaborated with over 60 businesses from across Anglesey, Gwynedd and Flintshire.”
The Trackside Focus and Albert Gubay Business School project has received £5000 through the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions Pushing power to our communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kick start economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.
