A CREATIVE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION STARTS IN DERBY
Derbyshire during the 18th century was home to some of the world’s first factories forging a key component of the industrial revolution, now, three centuries later, tenants based in a modern Cathedral Quarter office block are launching themselves as the 21st century creative industrial revolution.
Friar Gate Studios is home to more than 30 creative businesses turning over almost £5 million. Five of them now plan to market together as an overhead-reduced alternative to big city advertising agencies. They are Cactus Images (photography), Essential Marketing Solutions (market consultancy), Moggs Marketing Communications (above and below the line advertising), Paskett Public Relations and Revolver Revolver (design, graphics and websites).
Collectively, all the companies in the studio turn over almost £5 million and many international brands already use their talents.
Within the skills base of the building are all of the creative services of a major international advertising agency, including research, strategic marketing, copy writing, graphics, photography, design, public relations and media buying but each of these specialist companies operates independently.
“Because we all operate as private businesses the overheads that clients face are less than 15% of those you would expect from the well-heeled city agencies in London, Leicester, Manchester and Leeds that have to fund all the skills, regardless of what the client wants,” said Sharon Steven-Cash of Essential Marketing Solutions who is the principle point of contact for the new initiative.
“Companies based in Friar Gate Studios are an untapped source of top quality skills,” says Sharon. “Not only do we employ 96 people directly here but also a further 56 freelance artists, writers and other specialists also work for the various companies.”
Anyone interested in making use of this valuable service to resolve a marketing communications issue should contact Sharon on 01332 258 388.