Managed workspace provider Connect Derby is expanding its offering in the city with new fully furnished offices at its Friar Gate Studios headquarters.
The Ford Street building, which was launched in 2007, has nine of its offices furnished for rent on a short-term basis of up to six months.
The move comes as a result of changing workspace demands since the start of the pandemic and increasing requirements from tenants for a more flexible, short-term letting arrangement.
The business said furnished office accommodation provides flexibility for people considering returning to office premises after working from home while they consider their options - or new start-ups looking for a home without the additional cost and effort of having to furnish it themselves.
The offices are equipped with desks, chairs, and storage units, along with phone lines, high-speed broadband, and sundry items, including tea and coffee making facilities and waste bins.
Some offices also have their own breakfast bar and bar stools, sofas, tub chairs, coffee tables, plants and artwork frames.
There is also an on-site café, business support and mentoring, plus Covid secure meeting rooms.
After six months tenants will be given the opportunity to take a permanent office space at any of Connect Derby’s workspaces across the city.
Friar Gate Studios tenants range from VR animation and radio voiceover companies to financial planning and digital recruitment consultants.
Last June, Connect Derby was the first building in Derby to open following a Covid-19 risk assessment carried out by Derby City Council.
Safety measures include a one-way system, perspex screens, extra hand-washing facilities and social distancing signs.
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “Friar Gate Studios has been the hub for Derby’s thriving business sector for almost 14 years.
“We have created a wonderful working environment for tenants in the creative industries and most recently in the supply chain to the creative sector.
“By offering new Covid-secure furnished offices on a short-term basis, we hope we can encourage more people back into the city centre now lockdown restrictions are being lifted and support the Derby Economic Recovery Task Force in their bid to kick-start the city’s economy.
“We look forward to welcoming new businesses to Friar Gate Studios and providing them with the support they need to help their business flourish.”
Friar Gate Studios, which has 41 offices, is one of seven buildings within the Connect Derby portfolio alongside Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers Marble Hall, Kings Chambers, Shot Tower and the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.
