Disused warehouse transformed into digital workspace
WEB and print design agency Umber Creative has worked with Humber LEP and Hull City Council to transform a disused warehouse into digital workspace.
Until recently, Umber Creative had been based at The University of Hull since its launch, starting with an incubation space in the Enterprise Centre before progressing to offices in Newlands Science Park.
Due to expansion, the design studio has now bought a historic city centre building, Edmund House in St Mark’s Square.
“This isn’t just about more space and shaping our environment,” says creative director Kevin Wilkie. “Buying this old warehouse also means that we can control costs, which benefits our customers, whilst reviving a piece of the city’s heritage.”
The development was made possible with the help of local organisations and authorities
Substantial work was required to bring the property back to life, and a major contribution was in the form of funding from the RGF Growing the Humber programme, managed by Humber LEP.
David Kilburn, chair of the decision-making Investment Panel, said: “One of the Humber LEP’s strategic priorities is ‘Thriving Successful Businesses’. We supplied 20% of the total project cost, with a key requirement being that three new jobs are created. Umber Creative is part of the Humber’s innovative and growing digital sector, helping to make the area an attractive place to invest.”
This major development is joined by another significant milestone for Umber, with the appointment of Tom Holland as technical director, who has more than 16 years of commercial experience in delivering online solutions, for clients that include EDF Energy, Sony, Royal Sun Alliance and Digital Cinema Media.
“Our newly acquired expertise means that Umber can now provide the full spectrum of web services to customers from all industries,” said Mr Wilkie. “This perfectly complements our existing relationship with data centres and commitment to high quality, bespoke web solutions.”
Technical director Luke Foster added: “We’ve worked with multiple builders, suppliers and decorators,” said Luke. “The support and advice that we received from P E Davis & Son, Delaney Marlin, 360 Accountants, Natwest and Hull City Council was absolutely invaluable.”
Cllr Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: “Part of our role at the City Council is to encourage and support business investment and growth, and ultimately the creation of new jobs. We were pleased to assist Umber Creative with their growth plans, including securing grant funding towards their move into larger freehold premises. We wish them continued success in the future.”
