ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Saturday 6 December is Small Business Saturday, so what better opportunity to celebrate an entrepreneurial graduate for this month’s Once Upon a Time, Alumni feature?

Meet Jonny Gilbey, who graduated from the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú in 2021 with a BA (Hons) in Film Production. Six months later, while working in a pub, he decided it was time for a change to chase a new opportunity in London. A few years passed in the corporate world, but Jonny began to feel lost.

Trusting his gut, he took a career break and set off travelling around Asia. It was during this time of reflection that inspiration struck. On returning home, Jonny launched his own business – a marketing management agency called Marketing4.

Success doesn't always follow a straight line, and sometimes taking a step back is what it takes to move forward. With Small Business Saturday approaching, we wanted to celebrate entrepreneurs like Jonny, who has turned passion and perseverance into a thriving local business.

How did your time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú begin?

I always loved performing, so my choice was between drama school and studying film at university. Once I visited ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, the decision was easy – I loved the city, and it felt like a great fit.

I grew so much during my time at university. Having the freedom to explore while still receiving support and care really allowed me to flourish. I met my girlfriend of five years, my two closest friends and learned a few important lessons on how to take care of myself.

The foundation knowledge from my course can’t be understated, but it’s the soft skills developed from the wider university experience that I value the most. You grow up fast, you’re free to do anything, but responsible for everything - and having an institution to guide that is a massive positive. My personal growth from my time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has been invaluable.

Plus, it inspired me to pursue my passion as a photographer and videographer!

Please share your career journey from then to now.

Fresh out of university, I had no idea what I was doing. Six months in, I was working as an Assistant Manager in a pub. By my own measure, I felt like I’d failed. But using my shiny first-class degree, I secured a corporate job in London and began to find my footing.

After several years honing my craft, I was offered a sizable promotion – yet something didn’t feel right. Like many people in their mid-20s, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was a little bit lost. So, I decided to take a career break and travel around Asia. Fittingly, I found myself.

When I came back to the UK, I set up shop where it all started back in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. I launched Marketing4 to help businesses that might feel a little lost too, and want someone to shoulder the marketing burden.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day usually begins around 8am. I’ll grab a coffee and dive straight into the top of my to do list. Normally, I take a short break for lunch and then work solidly until 6pm, sneaking in some life admin and house cleaning when I’ve been sitting at the desk for too long. I love what I do, so it rarely feels like work and I often continue until day turns into night.

I feel blessed every day that I can do what I love, and make some money in the process.

While I admit that Christmas parties in Canary Wharf were great fun, nothing compared to seeing my first campaign make it to print. Taking an idea from your head, managing every stage of production, and seeing the finished product is incredibly rewarding. 

With my latest offering, photography and videography, I’m wanting to help provide a professional option for businesses who need it. You can make an awful lot of content on your phone, but that is by no means the right way to do it.

What are you most excited about for your business moving forward?

I love discovering new hobbies; it’s a big part of why I do this. Working in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú gives me the chance to try new experiences. Sometimes it can be a brand relaunch party in a recording studio, other times it’s meeting the mayor at Fratton Park. I never quite know what's around the bend – it’s thrilling.

Why do you think it’s important for consumers to shop locally?

Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.

And I want a world full of local artists and independent businesses - places where the owner sits behind the counter, and communities where people know each other’s names. You don’t get to have that world alongside the convenience of shopping at large corporations.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?

1. Don’t be afraid of failing - it’s part of it.
2. Work harder than you think and don’t expect any results.
3. Don’t give up - that’s the only way to lose.
4. If you can, go travelling. Work is great, but nothing has come close to the experiences travel gave me. Whatever you do, try to enjoy it in the moment because in five years, these will be the good old days!