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Call us on: +44 (0) 28 8224 9494
Discover how Marcus Isherwood blends a love of art with sales and strategy to build Creative Media, a design-driven business in Northern Ireland.
In this 60 Second Challenge episode, Nick O’Shiel chats with Marcus Isherwood, founder of Creative Media. Marcus shares how combining creativity with sales led him to launch a design business focused on helping clients gain a competitive advantage.
He touches on the rewards of flexible working, client satisfaction, and fulfilling personal and team ambitions. For entrepreneurs thinking about taking the leap, Marcus offers candid, motivating advice — reminding us that business growth starts with a willingness to take risks.
If you’re looking to grow your business or need a space to focus — whether it’s a private office, co-working space, or even support through our Grow a Business programme — Omagh Enterprise can help you take the next step.
Nick O’Shiel:
Hello and welcome to the 60 Second Challenge with Omagh Enterprise Company. I’m Nick O’Shiel, and today I’m with Marcus Isherwood of Creative Media, who has agreed to take the challenge.
Marcus, you’re very welcome.
Marcus Isherwood:
Thanks Nick for having me.
Nick O’Shiel:
Thank you for joining me. I think, as you know, the challenge is to answer six questions about your business in 60 seconds.
Marcus Isherwood:
Yeah, no problem.
Nick O’Shiel:
So if you’re ready, I’ll get the clock going.
Marcus Isherwood:
Let’s go.
Nick O’Shiel:
Okay, the clock has started. First question: Can you describe your business?
Marcus Isherwood:
Creative Media is a design business that works in the marketing sector. The purpose of the business is to use design as a tool for clients to gain competitive advantage.
Nick O’Shiel:
Very good. And can you tell me why you originally started up your own business?
Marcus Isherwood:
I have a great love of art and appreciation of art, and also a great love of sales and marketing. Those two skills and passions married together and led me into the business.
Nick O’Shiel:
Good combination.
Marcus Isherwood:
Absolutely.
Nick O’Shiel:
And during your time running the business, what would you say are some of the best things about running your own business?
Marcus Isherwood:
The flexibility, the sense of achievement, and the sense of achievement for clients whenever you create results for them. And just the support trying to fulfil ambition.
Nick O’Shiel:
Okay, and what are the main challenges facing your business in the year ahead?
Marcus Isherwood:
The challenges are to grow our positioning in the sector in Northern Ireland and across all of Ireland, and to continue to create great results for our clients, and fulfil ambitions for myself and my staff.
Nick O’Shiel:
Very good. And if you’re meeting someone new today and they were asking you for advice about starting a business, what would you say?
Marcus Isherwood:
I would give them 100% encouragement. I’d encourage them to take the risk, because I don’t view it as risky. What we need is more people prepared to step out and start businesses – whether it’s someone starting to clean windows or someone writing software.
Nick O’Shiel:
So you’d be enthusiastic?
Marcus Isherwood:
Absolutely – encouragement all the way.
Nick O’Shiel:
Okay, and finally, in three words or less, can you describe your experience of running a business?
Marcus Isherwood:
Challenging, interesting, exciting.
Nick O’Shiel:
Can I have a few more words?
Marcus Isherwood:
Fulfilling, frustrating, but overall very, very rewarding.
Nick O’Shiel:
Thank you. And we’ll stop the clock there. One minute forty-nine — you’ve met the challenge. Congratulations.
Marcus Isherwood:
Thank you!
Let’s connect! Whether you’re looking for an office space or business support, we’d love to chat. Book a tour or contact us today—no obligation, just expert advice.
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Charity No: 101885. Company Registration No: N. Ireland 17785
