Russell Britton & Jon Farley - Autografik

The spur to start a partnership came with a commission from the BBC for an album cover, and, as they were both struggling to find employment with established companies, they decided to start their own business.

Through the Taste of Enterprise support they were able to find out about the grants that are available in the local area, including KEF funding, and to acquire office space free of charge.

"The marketing seminars were a big help” says Russell, "and they could cope with the fact that we were an unorthodox business. They have also employed us, which is good as it means they have faith in our product. It's a win – win situation.”

The company is still based in the Indoor Provisions Market offices which provide "a great location and a great base”. And the team have already had a taste of success. Russell won the Best in Wales for an MTV design competition, and a few months later Autografik took the Shell Livewire Award as Entrepreneur of The Year for South Wales.

Their clients now range from Newport City Council and the Salvation Army to new bands and more art orientated businesses, and they are also branching out as part of the Dynamo Project, encouraging more young people to start their own business.

Without the initial help they got from Taste of Enterprise however, Russell feels this would not have happened, and though now established themselves, they're keen to pass on the message to others. "Because we were more than happy with the service and support we've got, we're more than happy to promote them” he says.