Less than two months after its launch, Friar Gate Studios’ new fully furnished offices have reached 89% occupancy - and there are now plans to introduce a similar offer at other Connect Derby buildings across Derby.

Nine fully furnished Covid-secure offices were launched at Friar Gate Studios in response to the changing working environment since the advent of the pandemic and increasing demand from businesses for a more flexible, short-term letting arrangement as they reassess the impact of Covid-19 on their business.

The offices, which are available to rent on a short-term basis of up to six-months, range in size from 282 sq. ft to 442 sq. ft and are equipped with desks, chairs, and storage units, phone lines, high-speed broadband, and sundry items, including tea and coffee making facilities. Some offices also have their own breakfast bar, sofas, tub chairs, coffee tables, plants, and artwork.

They provide flexibility for those businesses who may want to return to office premises after working from home while they consider their options - or new start-ups looking for a home for their business without the additional expenditure and effort of having to furnish it themselves.

Businesses taking furnished offices at Friar Gate Studios can also take advantage of a range of other facilities, including an on-site café, business support and Covid secure meeting rooms.

When their initial six-month tenancy at Friar Gate Studios ends, they will be able to take a permanent office or co-working space at any of Connect Derby’s workspaces across the city.

There are now plans to introduce fully furnished offices at other Connect Derby buildings, starting with Sadler Bridge Studios on Bold Lane, which will be launched at the beginning of October.

Companies taking advantage of the new service include global IT company Bam Boom Cloud, which needed short term accommodation while its new HQ is being refurbished, recruitment specialists EMBS and lettings agency Monkey v Owl.

A range of safety measures have been put in place to ensure all Connect Derby buildings are Covid compliant.  A recent Covid risk assessment audit carried out by Derby City Council’s Corporate Health & Safety team rated Connect ‘Outstanding’, with a score of 92%.

Commenting on their experience of the Friar Gate Studios furnished offices, Simon Bucknell, director of recruitment specialists EMBS, said:

Our team has settled in really well and we feel very much at home here. The offices are equipped with everything we need, and the high-speed broadband is very impressive.

There’s a great flow to the building and a great vibe in the café, which we use to meet with clients and candidates.

The level of service we’ve received from Sonia and the Connect Derby team has been second to none, enabling us to go from initial enquiry to moving in within six weeks. 

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

We’re thrilled that our fully furnished, Covid-safe offices at Friar Gate Studios have reached 89% occupancy so soon after they were launched.

The availability of these highly quality furnished offices on a short-term basis is helping to encourage more people back into the city centre and support the Derby Economic Recovery Task Force in their efforts to kick-start the city’s economy.

Friar Gate Studios is one of seven buildings within the diverse Connect Derby portfolio alongside Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers, Marble Hall, Kings Chambers, Shot Tower and the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.

The scheme provides micro businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need to grow. Tenants enjoy superfast broadband, meeting rooms and 24/7 access, along with a planned programme of business support delivered by D2N2 and partners.

For further information about furnished offices, contact Sonia Kang.