Artistic entrepreneurs given commercial opportunities as creative space opens at Beverly's Flemingate

New retail space for artistic entrepreneurs and designers has opened at the Flemingate Shopping Centre in Beverley.

The first of its kind in East Yorkshire, The Creative Lab provides shared retail space for new and established artists and designers to display and sell their work in a fully-staffed retail environment, without the usual overheads incurred by small businesses.

Launched by Beverley-based artists Mikey Mathieson and Chris Kidd, The Creative Lab gives artists, designers and inventors the retail support and resources needed to achieve commercial exposure and success.

Mr Mathieson said: “It’s been a fantastic opening for us. The reaction from the public has been amazing and lots of people have said that this is just what Beverley needs. We’ve started off with 30 artists, makers and designers and our goal is to increase that to 80 within six months. We’re really excited about the future.”

Mr Kidd, added: “We’ve been delighted by the positive response to our opening. We thought it would be a slow start to begin with but people have responded so positively to the artists here and also really appreciate the ethos around what we’re trying to achieve.

“Since we approached Flemingate they have been very supportive of the whole idea of bringing something that supports local businesses into this environment.

“We’re really proud and pleased with how it’s gone so far and look forward to the coming months to developing the concept and bringing many other creative local businesses on board.”

On opening day, The Creative Lab saw more than 120 shoppers purchase items.

One exhibitor, local artist Greg Bromley, explained: “The Creative Lab is a great way to give artists their own space to exhibit and is a cost-effective way of doing things. Mikey and Chris have been really supportive and I would urge anyone looking for this sort of opportunity to get in touch.”

Hornsea-based artist and potter, Meg Burkill of NutMeg Pottery, added: “I think it’s a fabulous idea and just what Beverley needs as there are so many talented people in the East Riding. It’s really exciting and I’m so glad to be part of it.”

Products on offer range from pottery; paintings; sculptures; bags and wallets created from recycled tyre inner tubes; locally-produced chocolate; North Yorkshire honey; greeting cards; dog accessories; and much more.

Graham Tait, Flemingate centre manager, said: “There’s been a great response to the opening of Creative Lab – it’s a fantastic opportunity for fledgling businesses to do business and succeed without the prohibitive costs of having their own premises.

“The addition of the Creative Lab adds a further dimension to Flemingate and it’s a great draw for shoppers and visitors to Beverley.”

Developed and owned by Hull-based regeneration company Wykeland Group, the Flemingate development is Beverley’s largest ever regeneration scheme.

The Creative Lab can be found next to coffee brand Starbucks within the Armstrong House building at Flemingate.

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