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Creative ventures sought to take advantage of Bishop Auckland accelerator hub

Pod, the Bishop Auckland business accelerator hub, has expanded its capacity to help the region’s creative ventures as it celebrates its first anniversary.

Launching last year at 42 Market Place, the venue offers local companies studio space to help get businesses up and running from as little as £30 a week.

Building on its existing offering, six new studios have been created within Pod as it looks to support an increased amount of County Durham artists wishing to both sell and exhibit their work.

Now the call has gone out for ambitious and creative business people to come forward and emulate the success of designer jewellery and homeware brand Gillian Arnold, which has increased its workforce and seen turnover double since becoming the first operation to move into Pod just over a year ago.

Kate Gorman, Pod Manager, said: “Pod provides a great facility for local creative enterprises wanting space to grow and take advantage of the investment being made in the area, to tap into additional support services and mentoring to take their idea to the next level before moving out into the wider community.

“Supporting the area’s often highly innovative and individual creative businesses is another step towards creating the right climate for further investment, economic prosperity and employment in Bishop Auckland.

“The new studio spaces are affordable and come in varying sizes making them ideal for businesses at every stage of their development. Gillian Arnold is the perfect example of what the right business could achieve within Pod’s nurturing environment.”

Gillian Arnold added: “Pod has been a brilliant move for the business. It has given us the space to produce new and bigger products, take on staff and develop new lines, which in turn has seen our turnover double in just 12 months.”

Kate continued: “This is an exciting time for Bishop Auckland with the multi-million pound developments planned for Auckland Castle and the new Kynren night show launching this summer.

“Making Bishop Auckland a cultural and artistic destination is key to regenerating the town and will help create a vibrant and bustling place that will bring both jobs and visitors.”

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