There’s just time to send out an update on Duke Studios before we step over into 2012.
In our last newsletter we gave you a sneak peek of what Duke Studios is going to look like and the services that we will run – the space is coming on nicely, we are working really hard to get everything up and running and have some great developments to share with you.
Our First Five
Over the last few months we have been taking applications for exciting companies to take residence within our unique Studio Spaces. We have had lots of response and we are very happy to have our first five companies join us in the New Year. We all got together for the Dukes 1st Christmas party and we can definitely tell already that there is going to be lots of exciting collaborations and opportunities.
The first five in no particular order are….
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole™ is a branding and digital communication studio led by Mark Martin and Timmy Dee. Combining innovative ideas, striking design and skills in web development to market brands online and in print. Although our clients are spread throughout the UK we pride ourselves on forming and maintaining personal relationships whereby we can comfortably express and share ideas. Our clients are forward thinking, open minded, trend setting, perfectionists that are hugely particular about creating distinctive work.
Studio J Architects was founded in Leeds in 2009 by James Butterworth. They have a great depth of experience working on a wide range projects throughout Yorkshire and the North of England. As fully qualified & registered Architects, Studio J provide architectural services from inception to completion on all aspects of projects, from small domestic extensions, through larger renovations to new build projects for both private and commercial clients.
Rising Digital is a social media and word of mouth marketing consultancy for the music industry. We currently work with more than 22 clients across seven countries. Our mission is to help and support artists, both emerging and discovered to capitalise on the use of new technologies. Through ongoing research, we discover what is relevant and what are simply Web 2.0 distractions. The aim is to create a space in which our clients can communicate with fans and industry peers. By generating and using quality content, we will create and enhance our client’s online reputation in an ethically sound manner. For case studies, services and our blog, head to rising digital.co.uk or just facebook us, we like it there.
Hebe Media is a collective of friends who've built a business around two simple ideas: 1) get involved with as many interesting things as possible, and 2) collaborate with amazing people and brands. We work with individuals and micro-businesses through to FTSE 100 companies and international brands. Our own platforms speak to more than 10 million viewers, worldwide, every month. We are trend researchers, communication specialists, digital strategists, bloggers, photographers, designers, DJs, writers, creative producers, party throwers, network builders, brand ambassadors, and more. All of these, but not exclusively any, is the best way to describe what we do.
I Like Press was founded by a creative passion as part of the UK music scene over the past 5 years through being in bands, running a record label and putting on regular shows.
The experience gained from this DIY way of doing things led us to form the company you see today. The attitude and ethics remain the same but now we work with other bands, brands
and companies that inspire us. I Like Press offer print press and online PR services for a number of bands, record labels and events. We work with national acts such as InMe, Maybeshewill, I Like Trains, Kong, music management companies such as Northern Music and the likes of Constellations and Live At Leeds Festival.
We are continuing to take applications for both the Studios and Desk Rental area . The Co Working area is on track for completion in Late Feb 2012. If you would like further information or pop down for a tour please contact laura@duke-studios.com
Sponsorships, Partnerships and Cardboard Studios
Duke Studios are very proud to announce that Dufaylite have become a main sponsor of Duke Studios. Some of you may be aware from our recent tweets that the 10 Studios space that are in Duke Studios are all created from a special Honeycomb Cardboard!
Dufaylite are a shining example of British Manufacture – They started out making cardboards used in aircraft construction during the Second World War and now have an amazing range of Ultra board a fantastic product used in construction, packaging, point of sale and much more.
Tony Moscrop, Dufaylite's Chief Executive, comments:
“Although Ultra Board has traditionally been used in point of sale and signage, its flexibility and sustainability credentials have inspired many up and coming designers to try new and innovative applications.
“The Duke Studios project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ultra Board’s versatility, so we were delighted to build these unique studios. These creative workspaces are perfect for Duke Studios’ future residents and offer plenty of scope to expand as the businesses grow.”
Duke Studios have designed the offices structure ourselves and Dufaylite have provided all of the manufacturing. The studios are pretty special - they are shipped flat pack up to us and all the pieces are then slotted together with no nails, glue or screws – they are definitely head turners and we are really looking forward to not only working on the studios with Dufaylite but many other things in the future.
Here are some sneak peek pictures of the Cardboard Studios.....
We are also delighted to announce a new partnership with the Cultural Industries Development Agency. Since January 2000, CIDA Co has worked to increase the capacity of the creative sector to contribute to national and regional economic prosperity. They have worked with governments and with businesses both in the UK and internationally.
Duke Studios and CIDA will be working together to bring a top class programme of professional development to our members as well as many other exciting opportunities in 2012.
Our good Friend Richard Hilson is taking on the Clipper Challenge sailing from Australia to China. After almost 15 years working in some of Leeds best digital media, marketing and branding agencies Rich is taking a break…..
“A wind of change has breezed into my life – or should I say a hurricane. I’ve decided to take a short career break to take on a rather epic challenge. I’ve never sailed before... but after 5 weeks of training, on Christmas Eve I join Leg 5 of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - acting as a fully-fledged crew member on the ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ yacht.”
He’s using this challenge to raise awareness of the Time to Change’s campaign which is England’s biggest ever attempt to end the stigma and discrimination that faces people with mental health problems, run by mental health charities, Mind and Rethink
. Alongside raising awareness he has set an ambitious charity fundraising target of £1 for every one of the 7,400 miles he sails to donate to Mind – you can find out more and sponsor him at www.ihatesinking.com
While Richard is on the open seas Duke Studios will be taking over his Twitter account and feeding out all his updates as well as sending back all the supportive messages to him.
Whether you know Richard or not this is a hugely worthwhile cause to support and the challenge itself is no mean – feat. While we are all tucking into our Christmas Dinners he will be out in the middle of the ocean. Take some time to read through his fantastic sponsorship website and if you can help at all that would be fantastic www.ihatesinking.com
Duke Studios wishes Richard the Best of Luck – We will all be rooting for him, making sure that we boost his sponsorship and keeping his moral high :)
Well we think that’s plenty for you to digest this festive season - we would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given us in 2011 - We are super looking forward to 2012 and what it has in store!
Don’t forget you can keep up with all our developments via Twitter or our new Facebook page
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New year!
