This was first published by The East Anglian Daily Times - March 30th 2026 and in print a few days later.
Reporter Sarah Chambers: Full Report Here
Panda Studios: Nic Pandolfi’s Mission to Help Suffolk SMEs Tell Their Stories
A company founder who works with some of Suffolk's top creative talent says he is keen to help smaller businesses to tell their "brilliant stories."
Past BBC Presenter of the Year Nic Pandolfi—a media content and communications specialist based in east Suffolk—has spent four decades working in television, film, theatre and radio. He has launched Panda Studios to help firms through website audits, optimising Google content and coaching.
"My work is about understanding how audiences engage with information so I can offer deeper insights to my clients," he says. Here he explains his business journey and how he is helping other companies to bridge the gap between itself and its audience. Read The EADT report
What makes your small business unique?
"It’s the collaborative power of Panda Studios. This isn't just about me; it’s an umbrella for an incredible amount of creative talent across Suffolk. I work with specialists like Tilt Shift in East Suffolk and Nat Banks in Ipswich—people who are so much more than just a camera; they are experts at getting to the heart of a story.
"We believe it’s not about video content for the sake of it—we all have a phone in our pockets that can record a clip. It’s about what a client wants the viewer to feel about their business. If I can’t personally solve a problem, I know exactly which local expert to match a client with."
What inspired you to set up your own business?
"I saw a massive opportunity to bring 'big media' insights to the local SME community. Many founders have brilliant stories but struggle to tell them. I wanted to create a space where professional video, audio, and digital strategy were accessible and, more importantly, human.
"Panda has been a nickname among my close friends for years, and it fits the business perfectly. There’s a metaphor there, too. Pandas cling on. In business, you have to do exactly that to succeed. I provide the tools, the strategy, and the grit to help my clients stay the course."
Why did you choose Suffolk as the home for your business?
"Suffolk is where I grew up, and after working internationally, I knew this was where I wanted to build my hub. There is a wealth of creative talent here, and I love being able to tap into that. By basing Panda Studios in East Suffolk, I can support the local economy while proving you don’t need to be in a major city to deliver world-class content."
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"The biggest challenge is the mental load. It can be a lonely business being the boss; dealing with 3am ideas and frights, or the constant hum of cashflow. I’ve had to learn that you can't carry it all yourself. I’ve learnt so much from the wider business community. Realising that everyone else is navigating those same hurdles was a turning point for me."
What is your ‘stand-out moment’ so far as a business owner?
"It’s whenever I’m seated behind the camera and I see a nervous founder finally relax and start talking about their business with genuine joy. When they see the final film and realize we’ve captured the 'soul' of what they do, it’s a huge win. Another stand-out is the strength of the network we’ve built."
If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
"I’d wish for every small business owner to have the resilience to 'cling on.' The journey isn't always a straight line, and having the right people in your corner can make all the difference. I’d love for every Suffolk founder to feel as confident in front of a microphone as they do behind their desk."
What are your words of wisdom for someone looking to start a business?
"Never be afraid to ask for help. It’s easy to feel isolated, but there is so much wisdom in the business community if you just reach out. And, of course, cling on. There will be tough days, but persistence is everything. Also, remember that your 'content' is your digital handshake. Don't just post for the sake of it; think about how you want people to feel when they find you."
What’s the best thing a customer has ever said to you?
"'You didn't just make a video; you told our story.' That’s the gold standard for me. It means we moved beyond the technical and tapped into the emotion that makes their business special."
Nic—who was born in Woodbridge—started his working life as an actor, appearing in Grange Hill, Gandhi and The Bill. He worked in broadcasting at BBC Radio Suffolk and in commercial radio as a breakfast presenter.