BUSINESS NEWS
Launch of new VIP club for creative industry
Sandstorm have launched Director Club , an exclusive space designed specifically for creatives . Situated on the Sandstorm Films production site at The Old Dairy , Badbury , the Director Club offers a unique space for creatives to collaborate .
The space which was created through lockdown has been lovingly designed by owner and founder of Sandstorm Studios , Tom Ward and there are different areas of the Club that can be used depending on the occasion .
On the ground floor is the Director ’ s Cut Café . Open from 7am-7pm weekdays , it ’ s the perfect spot for an informal meeting or brainstorming session , with seating space both inside and out . The garden area overlooks the surrounding countryside and provides a relaxing space to unwind and inspire creative thinking .
The café menu includes barista coffee and loose-leaf teas , breakfast , lunch , cakes and afternoon tea , as well as a wide range of craft ales , wines and spirits .
Upstairs the space has been transformed into the style of a central London Victorian Dining Club with no expense spared . Think rich leather seating and panelled walls , adorned with special commission portraits that only the most experienced in the industry know who they are .
The luxurious members ’ only lounge and dining area offers an extended food and drink menu including 20 wines by the glass .
Move along the upstairs corridor and you will find the West View Meeting Room with floor to ceiling views of the rural landscape . This executive boardroomstyle suite can be booked by the hour , accommodating up to eight people . You can host meetings , working lunches or dinners here and is a real favourite for its spectacular sunset .
In need of some R & R ? Discover the Therapy Floor . If you want to get away from the chaos and demands of deadlines ,
Swindon and Wiltshire proving to be a top destination for creative firms the Director Club offers an extensive range of massage therapies and there is also an exclusive sauna for members to enjoy .
If you work in the creative industries and are interested in becoming a member of Director Club email : membership @ director-club . com or call : 01672 642042 . Sandstorm also offers studio hire , kit hire and production services .
Invest in Swindon and Wiltshire has highlighted the growing presence of creative businesses in the region , demonstrating the skilled workforce and opportunities available for those looking to move into the area , and join the already thriving sector .
Pre-Covid-19 , the creative industry in the UK was growing more than five times faster than the national economy , with a contribution of more than £ 111bn to the UK economy in 2018 .
And with projects and developments such as The Create Studios at Carriage Works and a 7000 sq ft creative media facility to be developed in the Heritage Zone , Swindon and Wiltshire are at the forefront of this future-facing sector .
There are also opportunities available to those wanting to learn and develop their creative and digital skills in the region , with Swindon & Wiltshire ’ s Institute of Technology , backed by a huge £ 20m capital investment , offering excellent courses and apprenticeships ranging across all creative media sectors .
Ben Lawton , Director of Operations at Ottr Works , said , “ Being a creative company in Swindon and Wiltshire is massive , there is so much unchecked and untapped potential coming out of the woodwork that I see each and every day . There seem to be filmmakers , photographers , storytellers , artists , musicians and so much more rising from the youth of today , it fills me with excitement for what ' s to come , and who ' s to take over ."
Matinai , a boutique animation studio based in Chippenham
said , “ Having lived and worked in London , we found that living and working in Wiltshire has been very inspiring creatively , and we love the relaxed pace of life , countryside and friendly community that surrounds us . We hope to inspire the younger generation of creatives and animators in the area , that there are many opportunities in the region , and especially during this time with zoom and online networking being the new norm , the big smoke appears no longer the be-all and end-all for working in creative media .”
Andrew Wells , Economic Development Officer for Inward Investment at Swindon Borough Council added , “ The UK is a global leader in the Creative Industries and produces entertainment , art , culture which the whole world enjoys . With amazing talent and space in Swindon and Wiltshire , we know first-hand how appealing the region is to creative industries , and are keen to help and support more companies in this sector to move to the region .”
The team at Invest in Swindon and Wiltshire has showcased the extraordinary talent in this field , working with Ottr Works to produce a video demonstrating the skills and fantastic work that already takes place in the region . Watch the video
here 8 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk