On Form

On the 2nd December Formation Zone celebrated its first year and highlighted the work of creative enterprises across film, photography, architecture, graphic design, theatre, music and digital media. A showcase exhibition was held in the Roland Levinsky Building with examples of case studies and displays of creative work. This was the first in a series of annual ‘Formation Zone On Form’ events showcasing creative enterprise.

Formation Zone opened a year ago and the first businesses moved in in February. Now, Formation Zone is two-thirds full and has supported 12 businesses in that time. “Formation Zone has already supported enterprises working in many different areas of the creative industries including film, architecture, digital media, theatre, photography, music, graphic design and marketing. We are really making headway with our support for the creative industries and that will have a positive effect on the creative economy of Plymouth and surrounding areas,” said Formation Zone Programme Manager Eleanor Butland.

Robert Bedner and Crystal Hopwood of Research Plus Design

“One of the key successes of this first year has been the value of offering support to individuals that are just at the very first stages of developing a business idea. Before they are at a stage to hire a work station in Formation Zone, we work closely together to support the development of their plans and guide them through researching their market and testing their product or service. We have had great results so far and will be extending this service further in 2009.”

In 2009, the number of clients are set to grow and Formation Zone’s virtual network will also expand with the addition of a Connect members’ area to the website and a Facebook group to strengthen the creative community that is forming. Key events such as the regular One Stop Ideas Shop meetings will continue, with meetings taking place on the second Monday of every month, including 12 January, 9 February and 9 March. These see experts from organisations including the Tamar Science Park, Business Link, the university, a patent attorney and the Patent Library giving one to one advice to people with a business idea. And Formation Zone’s annual industry symposium will also be held again, with organisers expecting an increase on the 80 delegates that attended this year’s event, in October, to discuss current issues in the industry.

 

IT and digital media recruitment company Aardvark moved into Formation Zone in September. Director Sarah Symonds said: “Previously, I was working from home and rather isolated from the facilities and people that could help me in my business.  Working at the Formation Zone allows you to be in a networking environment and has allowed me to use the facilities and workshops available that are relevant to my business. The office is also in a fantastic location in the centre of town with great views from huge windows looking out over Plymouth, so you actually enjoy working from this location.”

Fuel Communications, who offer marketing and PR, graphic and web design, sales consultancy and media planning, moved into Formation Zone in April. Director Martyn King said: “Running our business from such a landmark building has given a real boost to our brand. We have had three national organisations in who have been absolutely blown away by the facilities. In each case this has helped us in the sense that we look “big” enough to do the work.”

Dave Smith, Steve Gyseman and Martyn King of Fuel Communications Ltd