FINANCE / / ACCOUNTS:
LOCATION:
Duke Studios / /
When I attended Leeds Print Festival, I took a tour in the floor above the Gallery. This area of the building is habited by Duke Studios- 'A multi-disciplinary creative space'.
I think that for the kind of business we want to be, Duke suits our needs. We want space, but we don't want to be isolated. It is important to be surrounded by others that can give feedback, and contribute to a lively atmosphere. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Not to mention the invaluable bonus of creating contacts on a daily basis because of the environment we are in and the people we are surrounded by. It seems to be the perfect place for a new business to start-up.
Facts / figures:
Whilst we were given the tour I asked for more in-depth details on the place.
Space (2): £399 p/m
Broadband: Included
Electricity / gas: Included
Reasons for:
- Open space that encourages collaboration
- Friendly environment
- Location. Central Leeds, near to all major entries to the motorways / train stations etc.
- Gallery below building.
- Resources i.e.laser cutter, workshop etc
- Relatively cheap rental
- Reasonable size.
Reasons against:
- Possibility of larger space for less rent
- New business itself- perhaps not the most reliable.
'Umbrella Creative provides low cost spaces for Leeds based creatives. Situated in Holbeck, a rapidly growing sector for Leeds creative industries, Umbrella has helped start ups, artists and small businesses grow by supplying spaces without the huge rent bills.'
Facts / Figures:
Space (4): £285 p/m (W: 4.2m, L:3.3m)
Broadband: N/inc.
Electricity / Gas: N/inc.
Reasons for:
- Large space for the price we are paying.
- Clean environment.
- More peaceful surroundings.
- Chance for interesting collaborations with existing residents such as architects and producers.
Reasons against:
- Against Duke, the environment is much more confined and private, which would perhaps benefit an already established business, but for us, it is important to create contacts whenever - possible and talk to like minded people.
- Far from CBD. If we needed to visit clients or vice versa, it would take more time and money.
Space (4): £285 p/m (W: 4.2m, L:3.3m)
Broadband: N/inc.
Electricity / Gas: N/inc.
Reasons for:
- Large space for the price we are paying.
- Clean environment.
- More peaceful surroundings.
- Chance for interesting collaborations with existing residents such as architects and producers.
Reasons against:
- Against Duke, the environment is much more confined and private, which would perhaps benefit an already established business, but for us, it is important to create contacts whenever - possible and talk to like minded people.
- Far from CBD. If we needed to visit clients or vice versa, it would take more time and money.
THE UNIT / /
'The Unit is a business incubation centre based at Leeds City College.'
For £150:
* 4 hours free use of professional boardroom
* Free WIFI connection
* Videoconferencing facilities
* Free training and advice
* Access to mentors
* Free Leeds Chamber membership in first year
* Access to networking events and opportunities
* Use of College facilities including reprographics facilities, catering facilities, college gym and learning resource centre.
* Use of a kitchenette and shower room
* Discounted use of third party products, services and facilities.
* City Centre business address
Reasons for:
- Close to CBD.
- Networking and events.
- Low rent cost.
Reasons against:
- Not as open an environment (creatively) as Umbrella and Duke.
- Doesn't look like the right kind of place for us as a team.
- Doesn't look like the right kind of place for us as a team.
OLD BROADCASTING HOUSE / /
Welcome to Old Broadcasting House, Leeds Metropolitan University, home of nti Leeds's innovative coworking space and specialist digital training facilities. The coworking space first opened in Autumn 2007 and is now home to a community of startups, and independent, freelancers.
It's an open plan area. Some desks have large 30" screens which are great for design and programming work - its amazing how much these can impact on your productivity.
There is both wired and wireless internet access, free black and white printing, access to meeting rooms, and great coffee.
We also have secure cycle storage and showers.
Membership costs £90 plus VAT per month. We ask you to pay by standing order, and also to give us a month's notice of leaving, so that we can re-allocate the place to someone else. We have space for 35 members.
Reasons for:
- Encourages a collaborative environment- exactly what we want as a team.
- Cost. Cheap.
- Close to CBD.
Reasons against:
- Privacy / space.
- Different mentality in the environment perhaps
