Final Checks Academy helps young artists turn creative skills into successful businesses

UK News

By Amimul Tanim

Visit to Dagenham academy shows how young artists are building careers and startups in the UK film and beauty industry

I had the opportunity to visit a makeup and hair training academy in Dagenham, East London, together with the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Princess Bright. During the visit, I saw how the academy is supporting young people to build professional careers and start their own businesses in the UK’s growing film and beauty industry.

The academy was founded by Danielle Everitt and focuses on practical skills, real industry experience, and business education. The approach goes beyond technical training, aiming to prepare students for real working life as freelancers, employees, and entrepreneurs.

The academy is endorsed by BAFTA and ScreenSkills, and is located next to Eastbrook Film Studios. This gives students valuable exposure to professional film and television environments and helps them understand industry standards from an early stage.

More than 1,000 graduates have completed training at the academy and gone on to work in film, TV, fashion, bridal services, and salons across London and the UK. Many have also started their own freelance services and small beauty businesses, contributing to local employment and creative industries.

During the visit, it was clear that students are also taught how to set up a new business, communicate confidently with customers, understand body language, and manage client relationships. These skills help them grow not only as artists but also as successful entrepreneurs.

The academy has previously been featured on BBC News for its work supporting young people and creating new career pathways. From what I observed during this visit, the academy is playing an important role in strengthening skills, confidence, and entrepreneurship in East London.

Initiatives like this show how local training institutions can add real value to the UK’s creative economy, especially by helping new talent enter the film and beauty industries while building sustainable careers close to home.