Creative village

Staffordshire University has a population of enterprise-aware students and graduates. Where the opportunity has been created for them to set up their own enterprises they have taken advantage of university facilities.

Persuading graduates from the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design at Staffordshire University to stay and work in North Staffordshire will positively contribute to diverse expertise and skills being available. This dedicated workspace adjacent to the student workshops and studios helps small, creative businesses in the Stoke area promote their craft in the region - and get started.

It provides a base for a creative, vibrant community of enterprises to populate the creative industries development planned for the University Quarter, thus increasing its likelihood of success. This will also support the redevelopment timescale for the College Road site, which in the medium term will be restructured with the replacement and development of several existing university buildings.

The facility makes life easier for small and growing enterprises as there is only one fee to pay, covering rent, rates, energy costs, shared IT and internet access.

Located on College Road, this workshop environment with newly refurbished space for designer/maker businesses and craftspeople, is aimed at those who may have started working but who now need additional space. It provides around 15 fitted workspaces with each being licensed out to individuals with easy-in, easy-out terms. One benefit will come from the community itself – spinning ideas off from each other and perhaps even some inter-trading of expertise!

The project has considerable financial support from Advantage West Midlands via the Regeneration Zone.

Expressions of interest are welcome and further details of the facility can be obtained by calling 0800 169 2148.