Photography business relocates to larger premises

Commercial photography studio Cactus Images has relocated to new premises after more than a decade at Connect Derby’s managed workspaces.

Cactus was founded in 2008 by Angela Jenkins and Chris Howard, who met while they were studying for a degree in commercial photography at the University of Derby.

The business started life at the university’s Banks Mill creative studios, before joining Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios in 2010.

By 2016, Cactus had outgrown its studio space at Friar Gate Studios and expanded to the penthouse suite at the iconic Marble Hall, which is also part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.

Now, the firm, which works with clients including Fujifilm, World of Sweets, and Royal Crown Derby, has relocated to a new 3,500 sq ft studio, in Gresham Road in Allenton.

It follows another period of sustained growth, which has also resulted in the business expanding its team with the addition of Charlie Valentine, also a University of Derby alumni, who has a first-class honours degree in Commercial Photography.

In her role as studio co-ordinator and assistant, Charlie will help organise the studio, liaise with clients, and assist on photoshoots.

Angela said: “When we joined Connect Derby in 2010, we were new to business and were unsure of what would come next for us.

“Connect Derby provided us with a studio space that met all our needs, and most importantly created an environment for our business to grow and succeed.

“The help and support that the Connect Derby team have given us over the years has been invaluable and we will always be grateful.

“It is sad to leave, but this is an important step in Cactus Images’ development – and we will still pop into Marble Hall for a cup of tea with the team!”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “It is with a mixture of a heavy heart and immense pride that we have to say goodbye to Angela and Chris after a wonderful 12 years plus with Connect Derby.

“They’ve been fantastic tenants and are a great example of what a company can achieve with the right infrastructure and the range of business support and mentoring that is available through Connect Derby.

“I look forward to catching up with them soon in their new premises once they’re settled in.”