Business Profile: Rushfieldpath Ltd

Name: John McClure
Business Name: Rushfieldpath Ltd
L: Unit D4, Omagh Enterprise Company, Great Northern Road, Omagh
E: microscopicimages1@gmail.com

Business Profile: Rushfieldpath Ltd

Can you describe your business?

The business trades in images of natural objects as seen magnified through the microscope. Our images are mostly from very thin slices of rocks, plants, insects, tissues and crystal deposits on glass slides many of which were produced in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The images seen through the microscope show incredible beauty in various colours, abstract forms and, in plants, amazing natural symmetry. The images are photographed onto standard 8×6” prints within mounts (larger print sizes are available) and retailed as decorative art. It is a business in which technology meets art and the business name is RushfieldPath.

Why did you start your own business?

I have accumulated a very large number of glass microscope slides and, whilst these are very interesting to study individually, I had often wondered how the images could be shared with others. I did internet- based research and found only two or three instances globally of microscope images being used as art forms. The offering was very limited in comparison to what I had potentially available. The business idea was to commercialise microscopic images as ‘technoart’. An example is shown of a slice of limestone from the Great Plain of Ghiza in Egypt. This limestone was used in the construction of the pyramids. The oval structures are fossils of  nummulites (sea creatures) and are 65 million years old.

What are the best things about running your own business?

I am best described as an ‘olderpreneur’. It is very stimulating to be able to commercialise a long-held interest. There is freedom in being able to do ones own thing. There are also challenges particularly in accurate record keeping.

What are the main challenges facing the business? 

The main challenge for us is marketing our products both locally and globally.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

If you think you have a good business idea then research it as much as possible and identify your likely competitors. There is a lot of information available on the internet – use it. Use as much help from others as possible – there is a lot of expertise in Omagh  Enterprise to help with start-up and innovation. Careful business planning is vital. Above all, keep a close eye on your costs.

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?

FAB, UL, OUS.