New Connect tenant makes city centre return

Managed workspace scheme Connect Derby has welcomed a recruitment services firm as the latest tenants at one of its city centre locations.

EMBS has taken a newly furnished office at Friar Gate Studios, in Ford Street.

The changing recruitment market, brought about as a result of the pandemic, presented directors Simon Bucknell and Ian Stevens with the opportunity to rethink their strategy for the business.

Working in collaboration with their team, they took the decision to adopt a hybrid working practice and move back into the city centre.

It has taken one of nine newly refurbished, fully-furnished offices at Friar Gate Studios, which have reached 89% occupancy just months after they were launched.

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The fully furnished office accommodation is available for up to six months. At the end of the initial tenancy, EMBS will be able to take a permanent office at any of Connect Derby’s workspaces across the city.

There are now plans to introduce fully furnished offices at other Connect Derby buildings, starting with Sadler Bridge Studios, in Bold Lane, which is set to be up-and-running at the beginning of October.

Simon said: “While working from home has its merits, our staff still want to work together in the office for learning and development and to collaborate with their colleagues.

“Friar Gate Studios offers us the perfect opportunity to have a flexible office hub and we absolutely love it.

“We do a lot of work in the property sector and wanted to be close to where regeneration is currently taking place in Derby.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “I’d like to welcome Simon, Ian and their team to the Connect Derby family.

“Our fully-furnished offices are the perfect solution for businesses like EMBS, who are reviewing their property strategies and want a high-quality base for their business while they are deciding how much office space they are going to need going forward.”