Few people would welcome redundancy, particularly in the current economic climate.

Derek Boocock doesn’t play down the fact it was daunting when it happened to him in September last year.

But the 53-year-old former IT support worker says: “It’s the best thing that ever happened because it kicked me into action. I had to make a new career.”

He didn’t have to look too far to find it, returning to a talent he’d perfected during his nine-year Army career.

Derek was 21 when he joined the West Yorkshire Regiment 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards. He was posted to Germany, where he trained as a military intelligence photographer, taking pictures of conflict zones and formal occasions.

On leaving the Army, Derek worked as an outdoor pursuits instructor. His passion for the outdoors and cycling gave him the opportunity to use his photography skills.

“I was keen to stay involved in the cycling world and realised one way to do this was through photography. I bought my first digital camera and began photographing the sport that I love,” says Derek, who earned a reputation as one of the best freelance cycling photographers.

In 2008, a friend gave him his first wedding photography assignment. “The response I got was fantastic, so that made me feel like I could branch out into other aspects of photography,” he says.

Redundancy gave him the impetus to do it. But with no business skills, Derek didn’t know where to start.

Business Link and Bradford Kickstart gave him the information and support he needed to go it alone, and he says he hasn’t looked back.

“It proved to be a real success story,” he says. “I couldn’t have had more help.”

Mike Whitehouse at Bradford Kickstart introduced him to another business expert who would play an instrumental role in Derek setting up on his own. Tony Lubbock, a business design consultant for Yorkshire Building Society, gave Derek the knowledge and support he needed to launch his business, Distinct Images, a month after redundancy.

“Derek has come such a long way since we started working together,” says Tony. “He is a very talented photographer with a bright future in the field, and I’m looking forward to helping him nurture his company into a successful business and seeing him enjoy a fulfilling career.”

Derek says Tony has given him the confidence to go it alone.

“It is daunting going into business on your own for the first time, but with Tony’s help I’ve kept my feet on the ground. He’s got the business experience I need and is great to bounce ideas off.”

Since launching the business last October, Derek has gained several photography awards.

His portfolio comprises an atmospheric black and white image of a gnarled tree at Malham Cove, which he waited patiently to capture at sundown. An image of a train steaming across the Ribblehead viaduct earned him second place in the Holme In The Valley awards, and one of his photographs is displayed in the Yorkshire Photographic Union exhibition in Pickering.

Derek is also continuing with his cycling images and is expanding his wedding photography portfolio.

He says his pleasure comes from seeing clients’ smiling faces, particularly couples seeing their wedding photographs for the first time.

He also does portrait sessions and events. His ambition is to have an exhibition of his work and pass his skills on to students.

“I would really like to give something back,” says Derek, who is already mentoring one student.

His advice to anyone wanting to start their own business is to find out what help is available. “I am living the dream; earning a living from something I really enjoy doing.”

Bradford College runs photography courses – call (01274) 433333. To find out more about setting up your own business, contact Bradford Kickstart on 0800 9539503 or Business Link on 0845 6000006.