An innovative local business, established through Sheffield Hallam University's (SHU) business start-up service and with the help of law firm Wake Smith & Tofields, will be celebrating 6 months successful trading at a special launch party next month at Sheffield's esteemed art exhibition Artexpo.
Art for Spaces, founded by SHU graduate Tom Colton, through SHU's Hatchery facility, has quickly prospered into a successful business, providing rentable art to a wide variety of businesses in the region.
Inspired by the idea that a large proportion of business can be lost by portraying the wrong image, Tom identified what he felt to be a real gap in the market - art for businesses to rent to help their businesses stand out from the competition and create a memorable environment for staff and visitors.
Art for Spaces now provides a bespoke service to hotels, restaurants, professional office space and the public sector, sourcing artwork appropriate to the overall image of the business' branding.
Sheila Quairney, Business and Enterprise Manager at SHU said "The Hatchery provides an excellent opportunity and supportive framework for both current students and recent graduates who are keen to set up their own businesses.
"The support of Wake Smith & Tofields has been invaluable in enabling us to offer legal advice to our student entrepreneurs and in contributing to the continuing success of the Hatchery as a valuable resource for the University."
Peter Rawlinson, Company Commercial partner at Wake Smith & Tofields, said; "The firm has always been passionate about supporting and encouraging young graduate entrepreneurs to do well and we've been working with the Hatchery for the past two years.
"Often at the start of a business young people do not have the capital to spend money on external expenses and professional services - we provide them with clear, cost-effective and beneficial advice which will help and reassure them at the early stage of their business.
"By offering free consultations to the students, we provide young potentials with a good grounding of some of the legal and commercial issues to help get them on their way. In the time that we've been working with the Hatchery, we've advised over 40 students with guidance on a range of issues, including how to set-up their business (be it as a sole trader, partnership or company), employ staff and lease property.
"The range of businesses formed by the students has been impressive, wide ranging and imaginative - from online B2B companies to Mexican food outlets! Art for Spaces is another great example of the many unique and flourishing business ideas that come out of the Hatchery.
Art for Spaces' Managing Director, Tom Colton, said "Since its foundation, Art for Spaces has accumulated support from the Princess Trust, Inspiral, Senta and the Enterprise Centre. Wake Smith & Tofields have been requisite to the company's success, providing free legal business support and literature and helping to smooth our transition from a start-up to a growing business."
A special launch party will be held for Art for Spaces on Thursday 25 November at Sheffield's major Art exhibition Art Expo 2010, which will be open to the public until Friday 3 December.
