The Agora Derby celebrated its official launch last week (Saturday October 10).
Owner Laura Kaye Tomlinson hosted delighted locals and Mayor of Derby Jonathan Smale at the multi-use lifestyle studio and consultancy space at 30 Sadler Gate.
Crowds gathered for the unveiling of the business unit which will operate as the city’s go-to hub championing creativity, inclusivity and connectivity.
The Agora will provide business leadership development opportunities, working with clients in Derby and beyond.
Of three floors, the top floor will be the base for meetings and consultations. The ground floor will have a retail element at the front of the shop, offering lifestyle books, journals and stationery. The ground floor store will give way to a stunning lounge located at the rear where photography clients can enjoy the cosy yet expansive atmosphere.
Stationery fans will appreciate the thoughtful curation of lifestyle products including V&A notebooks and Oriental printed paper for high-end bespoke craft projects.
Laura has adopted a multi-faceted ethos to her business model at The Agora, deftly weaving strands with synergy – lifestyle products, studio, business consultancy – that come together in a creative space brimming with potential.
This diverse offering all under one roof is key to evolving and embracing the dynamic nature of doing business in the 21st century.
Speaking at launch, Jonathan Smale said: “Traditionally, a building has had to declare itself as just one thing. It could be a shop, an office or a cafe. But today we are witnessing a brilliant alternative. The Agora challenges us to ask a better question. How much could a building become?”
Smale went on to add, in a social media post: ‘It [The Agora] is a shining example of how civic partnership can breathe new life into commercial spaces from the ground up.’
The 12-hour opening was a celebration of the creative industries in Derby and the wider Midlands.
You can see the full speech here: Watch The Agora launch video now
Collaborative spirit saw Laura invite fellow businesses to showcase their products at The Agora.
An upcycling workshop was headed up by sustainability expert Jeleelah Badmos where locals upcycled an item of clothing in a two-hour session.
Stationery fans could bring a personal photography project to life at the custom print lab using a Department Store & Co.’s xTool O1 Omni Printer, one of the best in the industry.
From fashion shows to Snap & Chat Connect taking portrait photos, and a feast created by Sheryl Marie Taylor, the day was filled with something for everyone.
Location: The Agora, 30 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NL