Re-launch of the Atrium Studio at University Campus Suffolk

Making the move from education into the world of work - especially if you plan to launch a new business - can be difficult.

The Atrium Stuidios, an initiative for start-ups, in conjuction with University Campus Suffolk, is now into its third year.

The space space for creative and technology companies is marking its move to a new larger home with a re-launch celebration on Monday 5 October, from 12 to 1.30pm

The Atrium Studios at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is one of the only places in Suffolk to combine ‘messy’ and clean spaces for individuals and small companies such as artists, filmmakers and graphic designers, many of whom are start-ups and include graduates from UCS.

It has become a hub for new and growing businesses, who can develop and also help each other.

Sean Cooper of design company three&me said “As students at UCS we often talked about how — with the skills we had learned — we could start up our own design company.

“The opening of Atrium Studios was the reason we took the decision to start up our design studio, without it we would not have had the impetus to go through with it. We were based at the Atrium for best part of a year before expanding and moving to our current studio. The Atrium Studios provided us with the space and support we needed to get started and for a reasonable price.”

Fine artist Paul Fisk said: “Since graduating in 2011, I have had a studio space at the Atrium Studios. Being a member has enabled me to access contacts and opportunities I feel I would never have had the opportunity to encounter otherwise. I have been able to establish myself, not only as an artist, but also as a business man. Without the support of the Atrium Studios, I would not have encountered the opportunities I have which have led my career to develop.”

Carol Gant, arts curator for the School of Arts and Humanities and project co-ordinator for the Atrium Studios, said “We find many companies benefit from sharing the same space, in a way the Atrium Studios provides members with a ready-made contact list for a variety of experts- if a fine artist needs a web designer to promote his work online; we have that here for example.

“It’s great to see the space being used by so many UCS graduates as well. Many of our students have the ambition to start their own companies but doing so can be difficult without the right support, we can offer that here. Many companies are essentially ‘giving back’ to UCS too by giving guest lectures and offering our current students work placements.

“Now we have a bigger space we are looking for more members to come onboard. We offer very competitive prices and if anyone is interested in finding out more, please come along to our re-launch on Monday 5 October from 12pm.”

These new people in business are able to meet with clients at the university building, and to have a UCS Waterfront postal address too.

So they remain part of the university community as well as the business world.

Carol added: “The idea is for these new businesses to grow, and develop, and move out into the wider community as they do so.

“There are six booths and 18 desks - it is fairly flexible.

“We have had graduates who have formed companies and then have moved on to get premises in Ipswich.”

“Registration for the event is via the ‘What’s on’ page on the UCS website www.ucs.ac.uk”.

Or telephone Carol for more information on 01473 338654.

Please confirm your attendance to the re-launch of the Atrium Studios by emailing Lucy Walters at lucy@proverb2.co.uk

About University Campus Suffolk (UCS)

I. UCS is a partnership between the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex, working with Lowestoft College, Great Yarmouth College, Suffolk New College and West Suffolk College. The development is also supported by Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

II. UCS is currently part way through a major review and inspection by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) acting on behalf of the Privy Council, to determine whether to award it the power to award degrees in its own right and full independent status.

III. Strong connections with local, regional and international employers ensures that all UCS courses are built with employability in mind – 93% of UCS graduates in 2014 went on to employment or further study.

IV. UCS offers an attractive portfolio of courses within Applied Social Science, Arts, Business, Health and Science at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This is complemented by a range of research in these areas.