Author: Donna Hill

Connect Derby, the city’s primary managed workspace provider, has launched a new hybrid office scheme for businesses who enjoy the flexibility of working from home and the office.

The new schemeis aimedat businesses looking for quality office accommodation for up to three days every week.

Hybrid offices will be available for businesses who want to ease their way back into the workplace after working from home or new start-ups who are looking for a base for their business without the additional expenditure.

Businesses will be able to occupy a hybrid office at Friar Gate Studios or Sadler Bridge Studios for up to three days per week. They will occupy the same office on the same days each week on an initial 12-month contract. Another business will occupy the space on the remaining days.

The aim of the hybrid offices scheme is to provide flexibility, reduce costs and give businesses greater opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Businesses who opt for the hybrid working package will receive the same benefits as a full-time Connect Derby tenant and will have access to a range of services and facilities, including an on-site café, business support and mentoring, plus the use of seminar and meeting rooms.

The move has come as more businesses rethink their accommodation strategies and decide whether to give up their permanent office space in favour of a mix of remote and office working.

Connect Derby remains the city’s leading managed workspace provider and continues to innovate as it helps businesses face the new challenges presented by the evolving nature of the world of work.

As well as hybrid offices, it also offers fully furnished offices at its six workspaces across the city, which are available to rent on a one or three year lease term. 

Commenting on the launch of the hybrid offices, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“We’re excited to be introducing hybrid offices at our flagship Friar Gate Studios workspace. Over the past couple of years, we’ve introduced a number of new, flexible ways of working to support businesses as they navigate the new world of work.

“The increase in remote working since the pandemic has encouraged a shift in the working environment, prompting businesses to rethink their accommodation strategies. By introducing our hybrid package, we aim to encourage a diverse range of businesses into the city and support the local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming new businesses to Connect Derby and providing them with the support they need to help their business thrive.”

Connect Derby, the city’s leading managed workspace provider, has published the results of its 2023 business community survey.

The annual survey measures the levels of service Connect Derby provides across all areas of its operation – from the quality of its workspaces and IT services to security and operational communication.

This year, the survey focused heavily on how Connect Derby has helped its 200 plus tenants in what has been a challenging year for the economy and businesses across the UK.

Connect Derby received an 88% response rate from office tenants surveyed across the six diverse buildings in its portfolio – Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, and Shot Tower.

A massive 91% of respondents said communications from the management team met or exceeded their expectations.

85% of respondents reported that Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations for the support it provides with help from the business support team.

The management team have continued to provide small and medium enterprises across the city with valuable support, guidance and sign-posting to grant funding, training and professional advice.

85% of tenants said Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations, with 85% saying they would recommend Connect Derby to other businesses looking for managed workspace in the city.

Connect Derby has been supporting tenants over the past 12 months by offering new and flexible ways of working.

Furnished offices are available across all workspaces, and were introduced in response to the changing working environment brought on by the pandemic. In the coming months, there are plans to launch hybrid offices which will allow businesses to occupy the space they want for up to three days a week.

83% of respondents said Connect Derby workspaces were clean, safe, and secure buildings to work in. 80% of businesses said the IT network, internet access and Wi-Fi services meets or exceeds their expectations.

Connect Derby offers all tenants superfast Wi-Fi and telephony services allowing businesses to communicate with customers effectively. This has been particularly valuable to businesses who need to communicate with staff who are working from home.

Commenting on this year’s survey results, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for businesses and the UK economy, so we’re really pleased to have received such positive service ratings.

“I’d like to thank all tenants for being honest in their assessment of our services. We’re committed to providing all our tenants with the highest possible levels of services and support and will continue to work with businesses to help with their recovery in any way we can.

“There are always areas where we can improve, so we will be working with our suppliers and internal council services in the coming months to make improvements where necessary.

“We’ve received a high level of quality enquiries from businesses across a diverse range of sectors, many of who have taken space at Connect Derby.”

The multi-million Connect Derby project includes seven managed workspaces and provides SMEs, micro businesses and entrepreneurs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need to act as a catalyst for expansion and growth.

For further information about the Connect Derby portfolio of buildings, contact Sonia Kang on 01332 742800, email lettings@connectderby.co.uk.

Connect Derby’s 2022 Annual Review is live!

Our annual review provides an insight into what we have achieved over the past 12 months.

There is a foreword from Paul Simpson, CEO of Derby City Council, who gives an overview of our activities.

This is followed by an executive summary from head of Connect Derby, Ann Bhatti, who discusses how her team are helping businesses face the challenges presented by the evolving nature of the world of work.

This year’s review focuses heavily on how Connect Derby is continuing to lead the way in the managed workspace sector and support SMEs across the city.

Over the past 12 months, Connect Derby has continued to innovate. Since April 2022, a diverse range of businesses have made a home for their business at one of the six managed workspaces across the city.

You’ll be able to find out more about how Connect Derby has helped to bring the exciting new Nuclear Skills Academy to the iHub.

There’s also a special feature on the Connect Derby Cafés at Friar Gate Studios, Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers and Marble Hall.

After more than a decade of success at Connect Derby managed workspaces, commercial photography studio Cactus Images has expanded to new premises in the city.

The company was founded in 2008 by Angela Jenkins and Chris Howard, who met when they were studying for a degree in commercial photography at University of Derby. Cactus Images started life at the university’s Banks Mill creative studios, before joining Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios in 2010.

Since then, both Cactus Images and Connect Derby have gone from strength to strength. By 2016, Cactus Images 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.

Cactus Images work with a broad client base, including Fujifilm, World of Sweets, and Royal Crown Derby.

Following another sustained period of growth, Cactus has now outgrown any available space at the six Connect Derby managed workspaces and has relocated to a new 3,500 sq. ft studio on Gresham Road in Allenton, just minutes away from their previous premises.

Angela and Chris have also expanded their team. Charlie Valentine, also a University of Derby alumni with a first class honours degree in Commercial Photography, joins the studio after working as a fashion photographer since 2021. In her new role as studio co-ordinator and assistant, Charlie will help organise the studio, liaise with clients, and assist on photoshoots. 

During their time at Connect Derby, Cactus Images established itself as one the region’s leading commercial photography and post-production studios, with a reputation for its ability to translate its clients’ ideas into dynamic images.

As the business has developed, Angela and Chris have expanded the range of services they offer to support and strengthen their photography projects and now provide creative planning, prop sourcing, styling and set builds.

Speaking of the move and the help and support the business has received from Ann Bhatti and her team over the past 12 plus years, 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, particularly Ann, 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 in to Marble Hall for a cup of tea with the team!”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

“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.”

Leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has relocated its Derby operation to Sadler Bridge Studios, part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.

Pick Everard, a multi-disciplinary practice encompassing architecture, engineering and professional management services, is making the move from Kenning Studios on Queen Street to Sadler Bridge Studios, located in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter.

The practice, which was founded in 1866, has 15 offices throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham and Derby.

The exciting move is part of a wider national office strategy enabling the business to adopt more agile and collaborative ways of working for its growing 650 plus work force; specifically for its team of 30 based at the Derby Studio.

Its client list spans a wide range of public and private sector organisations throughout the UK and abroad, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, MoJ, MoD and the Houses of Parliament in addition to large banking clientele.

The Derby office directly supports a range of commissions with important locally based clients including Bowmer + Kirkland, Rolls-Royce, Nottingham Trent University, Leicester Tigers, Derbyshire County Cricket Club and PMI Developments.

Sadler Bridge Studios is located in the heart of Derby’s commercial district, close to shops, bars, and public transport links. The purpose-built workspace was constructed in 2014 and comprises of 35 units in a three-storey modern multi-occupancy office building. SBS also contains RASK, a Scandinavian-style café on the ground floor.

Commenting on Pick Everard’s move to Sadler Bridge Studios, David Nisbet, Partner said:

“We’re delighted with our new home at Sadler Bridge Studios. Its location in the heart of the city is perfect for us, and the facilities are ideal for our evolving office portfolio.

“Our aim is to provide outstanding services to our clients and communities, developing our agile and collaborative style of working. 

“The team at Connect Derby have been very accommodating and have enabled us to achieve a seamless transition into our new office space.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

“I’d like to welcome such a long-standing and well-established business as Pick Everard to Sadler Bridge Studios. They are a great addition to the range of creative businesses already based here.

“Sadler Bridge Studios’ city centre location is proving increasingly popular with businesses looking for a flexible and hybrid working environment. We now boast a diverse community of new and established businesses from across the creative industries and the supply chain to the creative industries.”

Connect Derby, the city’s primary managed workspace provider, has enjoyed the best start to a year for five years, with 6% of space currently under offer.

78,000 sq. ft of office and studio accommodation is currently let, with 5,600 sq. ft under offer – the highest level in the past five years and a clear indication that the managed workspace provider has recovered from the downturn following the pandemic.

In the current financial year, the workspace provider has let more than 7,600 sq. ft of space.

The success comes as a result of Connect Derby’s strategy of responding to the changing nature of the workplace with the introduction of new, flexible ways of working.

A diverse range of businesses have already taken space at Connect Derby buildings this year, including property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard who have left their former home on Queen Street in the city to join Sadler Bridge Studios.

Launched in 2014, Connect Derby supports small and medium enterprises, providing them with the flexible accommodation, advice, and guidance they need to support growth. A variety of accommodation is available, including conventional offices and studios, along with co-working space, hot desk facilities and virtual tenancies.

Connect Derby continues to innovate in order to support businesses following the pandemic. Fully furnished offices were introduced in 2021, giving businesses the opportunity to rent offices on a short-term basis of up to six months.

A new hybrid office scheme is soon to be launched at Friar Gate Studios for businesses who want to combine the flexibility of remote working with having an office base.

Businesses will be able to occupy a hybrid office for up to three days a week, with another business occupying the space on the remaining days. They will occupy the same office on the same days each week.

Commenting on its success so far this year, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“To see such growth across the Connect Derby portfolio is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to the quality of our offer.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve introduced a number of new, flexible ways of working to support businesses as they navigate the new world of work, the cost-of-living crisis, and rocketing energy bills.

“Our diverse workspaces and the flexible packages we offer mean that all types of business can join us, regardless of their size.

“We will continue to innovate as we help businesses face the new challenges presented by the evolving nature of the world of work.”

It’s International Women’s Day today and here at Connect Derby we’re celebrating the fantastic work done by our 95% strong female team.

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, leads a diverse team including women from a range of backgrounds, particularly those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) origin.

Ann and her team work to promote inclusion, improving female representation in businesses and supporting the next generation of female leaders!

Female-led companies continue to attract a small fraction of the investment achieved by their male-led counterparts – Connect Derby works to signpost female entrepreneurs to grants and funding through D2N2 and its Partners.

Connect Derby offers a range of employment opportunities for women in Derby and is one of few organisations in the city whose senior management team is predominantly made up of females.

A Derby composites firm has won a national net zero award, thanks to its pioneering work to find a more sustainable composite manufacturing process.

Composite Braiding Ltd, based at the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park, was awarded the ‘Sustainability Award: Net-Zero’ from Composites UK – the trade association for the UK composites industry at an awards dinner in Birmingham.

The company impressed the judges by developing a lower carbon manufacturing process for structural composites, which also enables higher production volumes and lower costs. The initiative was part funded by an Innovate UK loan. 

It’s the second Composites UK award in as many years for Composite Braiding, who last year won the ‘Innovation in Composite Materials’ category. 

The new manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 99%, compared to traditional processes, and uses tooling that is 50% lighter. The process even reduces consumable waste. 

On top of the decarbonisation benefits, the innovation means the firm can produce composite parts in minutes instead of hours, enabling them to increase volumes and reduce costs.

Commenting on the award, Steve Barbour, managing director of Composite Braiding, said:

 “We’re thrilled to have won another prestigious Composites UK award this year for our work to decarbonise composite manufacturing processes. It just goes to show what small companies can do, when you have an innovative team and funding behind you.”

“This is a game-changing capability. If this process is adopted by multiple users, which is our aim, it will help deliver decarbonisation at scale. We are already talking to third parties about broadening the awareness and availability of our capabilities.”

Composite Braiding is a long-standing tenant at Connect Derby, the city’s primary managed workspace provider.

Derby-based contemporary lacemaker Louise West has written and published her third book inspired by the lace archives at the Erewash Museum.

Louise, who is a long-standing tenant at Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios, has studied the archives of the Nottingham lace industry in the early 20^th century and used them as a source of inspiration for a series of new designs.

Her latest release, ‘Heritage Lace Designs’ started out as a project for the Legacy of Lace exhibition which took place last year at the Erewash Museum in Ilkeston.

Louise originally produced 11 designs, largely of contemporary style from the archives of the machine industry and subsequently developed further designs for Bucks point and Bedfordshire laces in a more traditional style.

All the designs from the exhibition and the traditional pieces are featured in the book, along with design inspiration from the museum, which has kindly given permission for the readers to use for their own new designs.

The designs in the book range from relatively easy through to advanced. The first section is based on the work developed for the exhibition and focuses on contemporary round motifs on large scale and more traditional sizes as well. The second section includes designs inspired by one manufacturer, Frank Woodward, and includes research by Julie Varo into his family tree.

The third section focuses on traditional style Bucks and Beds designs from other sources within the archives. The fourth and final section contains photographs, included with the permission of the museum, which are intended to be used as a source of design inspiration for the reader.

Louise released her first book, Bedfordshire Lace Designs in 2017. Her second book, entitled ‘Bucks Point lace workbook’ went on to be a global success, with copies sold as far afield as the USA, Australia and Thailand.

Commenting on the release of her latest book, Louise said:

“This new book features designs inspired by the lace archives at the Erewash Museum and started out as a project for an exhibition between five artists.

“I produced 11 new designs in 10 weeks of the project which were exhibited. Many designs were dedicated from the archives of the machine industry, for Bucks point and Bedfordshire laces, all of which are featured in the book along with design inspiration from the museum.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby added:

“Louise is an incredibly talented lace maker with 30 years’ experience in making, designing, and teaching traditional and contemporary lace. We are thrilled to see her continued success as an author.

“She adds something unique to Friar Gate Studios and is a valued member of the Connect Derby community.”

Louise’s book is available for £19.95 including postage from: https://shop.louisewestlacedesign.co.uk/collections/book and can be shipped worldwide.

Louise started lacemaking in 1992. She went on to complete an MA ADAPT (Art and Design Applied Practice and Theories), at the University of Derby in 2013, majoring on 3D contemporary lace, then set up her own business at Friar Gate Studios, the home of the city’s creative industries.

She is now widely known as an international contemporary lace artist developing traditional designs from bobbin lacemaking techniques, specializing in the English laces of Bedfordshire and Bucks point lace.

Louise also teaches lacemaking to groups across the UK and has recently delivered seminars in Crewe, West Lancashire, Buckinghamshire and Missenden Abbey.