Into the Spotlight, sponsored by Huddersfield-based Scriba PR, is a weekly business feature which highlights lesser-known businesses that generally go under the radar. Here, we highlight The Media Centre in Huddersfield.
Home to almost 200 companies – spread across the Northumberland and Lord Street buildings – The Media Centre is a 25-year-old social enterprise that reinvests all profits into nurturing business start-ups and young people, as well as the region’s arts and culture scene.
It began trading as a workspace when it re-developed an old plumber’s merchants. Today, it is made up of two distinctive buildings with their own history, and identity. More than 500 people work within The Media Centre each day with many more using it for meetings and events.
Office spaces range from casual co-working environments, through to small and large serviced offices and impressive lofts.
Alongside commercial spaces, there is also an on-site eatery, Café Ollo, a vibrant hub at the heart of The Media Centre. A popular spot for business meetings, networking opportunities and events such as PechaKucha Night where young designers, professionals, students, and experts meet to showcase their work, the café is also a great place for people in the wider Huddersfield community to catch up with friends over a coffee, or even see a gig.
The space also exhibits artwork from a new, up-and-coming creative each quarter, with the opportunity for guests to purchase specific pieces during their visit.
READ MORE: Brent Woods leaves big shoes to fill at The Media Centre
This all fits perfectly with CEO Brent Woods’ outlook, as he believes that businesses co-located in one area help to develop skills and increase productivity through networking, collaboration and exposure to competition.
“I see the future of the creative and digital industries being accelerated by clusters connecting throughout the UK to support one another, and I hope this will encourage further investment into creative and digital businesses, skills, entrepreneurship and the wider economy.
“The centre has seen significant surge in interest in recent months, with many start-ups eager to find a ‘home’ that encourages collaboration and networking between tenants and the wider region.”
The Media Centre will soon be entering a new era as current leader, Brent Woods, will be leaving in July to take up a role with the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive, following 12 years with the creative hub.
To get to know more about this not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting business growth, employment opportunities, and talent development, visit: https://www.themediacentre.org/
