Member Article

'Try Before You Buy' at Friar Gate Studios

Businesses and individuals in the creative sector who are looking for city centre office space are being offered the chance to ‘Try before they Buy’ at Friar Gate Studios, part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.

The scheme is aimed at start-ups thinking of taking on their first business premises or established businesses looking to take the next step with a move to a more professional office setting.

Friar Gate Studios were launched in 2007 in response to the rapid growth of the creative industry in Derby and the surrounding areas and is now home to some of the region’s most exciting creative businesses.

It is the headquarters of Connect Derby, which is now home to 197 businesses, with 132 office tenants and 65 co-workers across seven buildings. Over the past 12 months, 123 new jobs have been created and 38% of businesses have collaborated on commercial projects.

Creative businesses will be able to move into an office free of charge for a two-week period. This will enable them to experience the services and facilities on offer at the Studios on Ford Street. These include super-fast broadband, offering 1GB (1000mb) broadband and wireless connectivity – perfect for creative businesses harnessing the latest technologies.

As well as 41 offices designed specifically for businesses in creative industries, the Studios also offer spacious meeting rooms and conference facilities and the award-winning Bean Caffe.

Connect Derby also offers a co-ordinated centre management and business support structure, which ensures all the buildings are ‘connected’ and tenants are able to benefit from a planned pathway of growth and development.

Businesses based in any of the Connect buildings will receive a package of targeted help and support. This includes business development and mentoring opportunities, along with a programme of events aimed at sharing skills and encouraging collaboration.

Commenting on the new ‘Try before you Buy’ scheme at Friar Gate Studios, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“Friar Gate Studios is a lively and creatively-driven work-space and the services and facilities on offer are some of the best in the region.

“A two-week free trial period will give potential tenants the chance to meet the tenants and the Connect Derby team and experience the special atmosphere here at first hand before committing to a longer-term agreement.”

Built with creativity at their heart, Friar Gate Studios and Sadler Bridge Studios offer flexible, high quality workspace, along with a range of business support services which will work with businesses through their life cycle.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .