Fast Facts

• Graphic design company specialising in complete brand packages in print and web
• Spent first year as a full-time business at Formation Zone before moving to Royal William Yard
• Formed a consortium with fellow FZ businesses Actuate Marketing and Altitude Design
• Worked with several large organisations including Bristol City Council and the NHS

Background

51 Studio started as a part time job for Creative Director, David Tetley, in July 2010, while he worked as a graphic designer for Plymouth City Museum. By February 2011 the business was doing well enough for David to run it full time, taking on Managing Director Anouska Wilkinson, and moving into office space at the Formation Zone.

One year later, the business is flourishing and 51 Studio has partnered with two other businesses from the Formation Zone, Actuate Marketing and Altitude, to form a full-service design and marketing agency, now based at the new studio space at Royal William Yard.

GAIN – The benefits

51 Studio Creative Director, David Tetley, found out about the Formation Zone when it was first started, and knew that as soon as he was able to take 51 Studio full time it would be the perfect base for the company.

David said: “The Formation Zone was my first choice of office space, as in addition to having great facilities and being in a good location everyone is really friendly and there is always a real buzz about the place.

“The biggest benefit to us was undoubtedly the collaborative nature of the Formation Zone, which has led to the partnership between us, Actuate and Altitude. Pooling all of our talent makes us stronger as a collective, and offering a full service agency has already helped us to win new business.”

The three creative companies have now expanded out of the Formation Zone and into the new studio space at Royal William Yard, which David describes as ‘the place to be’.

“As a Plymouth local, I’ve obviously known Royal William Yard as a city landmark, and it’s fantastic to now be able to work from there – it’s really the perfect fit for us.

“I think the creative scene in Plymouth as a whole is looking pretty healthy at the minute, with new creative agencies starting up. I’ve always thought Plymouth has massively untapped potential, and I think now people are beginning to see that and recognise it as a excellent place to live and work.”

Results and the future:

• 51 Studio has expanded from a part-time venture to a full-time successful business in less than two years
• Being based at the Formation Zone has resulted in collaboration with two other creative companies to form a design and marketing agency
• Royal William Yard has provided the perfect space to move on from the Formation Zone and continue to grow the business

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