Lettings success for Connect Derby studios

Studios managed by Connect Derby have seen an upsurge in tenants following the relaxing of eligibility criteria.

A year on from opening their doors to non-creative businesses, half of the available space at Friar Gate Studios and Sadler Bridge Studios are occupied businesses from across the supply chain to the non-creative sectors.

The studios welcomed non-creative businesses for the first time towards the end of last year after being given the green light from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to let up to 30% of their space to tenants from across the creative industries supply chain in a bid to further promote entrepreneurship within the city.

Since then, and despite the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic, non-creative businesses across a range of sectors have taken a total of 3,570 sq ft of space at the studios in Ford Street and Bold Lane.

View fullsize

Professional service companies, including accountants and financial services firms, have joined HR professionals and education and training businesses to set up home at the studios.

Businesses taking advantage of the rule change include growth expert Neale Lewis Associates and chartered financial planners Aristotle Financial Planning, who have taken workspace at Friar Gate Studios.

Sadler Bridge Studios has welcomed digital training providers Althaus, along with Abbot Risk Consulting, Switch My Business, Revival Finance and JMK Wealth Management.

James Wallis, from Aristotle Financial Planning, said: “Since we joined Connect Derby last spring, the business has gone from strength-to-strength and has attracted a number of new clients.

“Although it’s been a challenging year, the Connect Derby team have been on hand to offer help and support and keep us updated on the availability of any grants and loans we may be entitled to.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “Despite the challenges faced by the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, the decision to relax the eligibility criteria at Friar Gate Studios and Sadler Bridge Studios has proved extremely successful, with a diverse range of business relocating to our workspaces.

“Our tenants benefit from high specification workspaces, flexible lease terms and have the ability to upsize and downsize at buildings across our portfolio, plus a Covid-secure working environment, which was given an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Derby City Council.

“I look forward to welcoming more businesses from the supply chain to the non-creative sector and providing them with the support they need for their businesses to thrive.”