Worlds End Studios

A business centre with a difference

Address

132-134 Lots Road, London SW10 0RJ

GPS

51.4783461, -0.18373539999993227

Telephone

The problem: you don’t want the expense of company premises, but you do need excellent facilities, services and support.
The solution: Worlds End Studios, a business centre with a difference

Scarlett Lloyd-Davis, the Manager, Jannelle Johnson, the Assistant Manager, and their team look after over 100 companies at Worlds End Studios. Of these, 65 are based at the Lots Road site and, in addition, 60 Virtual clients regularly use the Studios’ meeting rooms and support services.

Today, many businesses face a common dilemma; the cost of permanent premises is prohibitive, but they still need access to core facilities. At the Studios, the solution is to become a Virtual client. ‘If, for example, you’re a designer working from home and don’t want to make presentations at the kitchen table, it’s the ideal answer,’ explains Scarlett. ‘You can book one of our fully equipped conference rooms and, while you’re here, we take messages and email them to you.’ Virtual clients can also register the Studios as their company address and the reception team will accept post, hold and send packages on their behalf.

Worlds End Studios was established in the 1970s, long before the concept of a shared working environment became fashionable. The founder, an architect, developed a derelict factory, consciously designing flexible units with their own entrances set around light-filled courtyards. A creative community of architects, structural engineers and surveyors subsequently formed; they could collaborate with one another but, most importantly, still have separate offices. This design-led community flourished and continues to this day.

The stylish spaces come in an array of shapes and sizes (they are individually priced with flexible, no-fuss contracts) to suit all operations, from sole workers to those requiring product showrooms or large offices. ‘On average, our clients stay five years – several have clocked up over 20 – and often they upsize or downsize within the building,’ says Jannelle.

‘When a client takes space here, they can focus entirely on growing their company. We take care of all the distracting logistical bits and pieces – reception, incoming calls, post and package handling, utilities, rates, security, maintenance, even stationery – that swallows up valuable time.’

Creating a synergy between like-minded businesses remains at the heart of the Worlds End Studios philosophy. ‘We find that ideas, experiences and knowledge are shared naturally,’ confirms Jannelle. ‘Our front desk is the hub of the building. Clients can come and ask if there is someone here who could advise with this or assist with that, we point them in the right direction, and a contact is made. The communal kitchens and the on-site café and every summer we hold a party for clients, clients of clients and anyone that we’ve worked with over the course of the year.’

Over time, the Studios has built strong community links. ‘That’s very important to us,’ says Scarlett. ‘We like to get involved with local schools and residents’ associations and, each year, we give a Young Artist award at The Heatherley School of Fine Art.

‘We always say, if we can do it, we will. Mind you, on occasion we do get some “interesting” requests – and that’s one reason why working here is so enjoyably varied! Our prime objective is to allow clients to hit the ground running and ensure that their company is in good company in an exciting, friendly atmosphere. This building always has a dynamic, creative buzz – there’s a real sense of community.’


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