New Media Collective
New Media Collective is a digital media company specilising in the design and development of rich, engaging content for the internet and other media. The agency's work spans entertainment, corporate communications and education. A number of leading Leeds agencies also figure on the company's client list. Managing Director David Eccles talks about life as part of a creative digital business in the heart of Holbeck Urban Village.
"When we first moved here in 2002 there was us and one other company in the newly developed Round Foundry Media Centre and even then it just felt right for us. Since then the area has really started to take off with the Round Foundry development growing and further development set take place over at Tower Works. It is a really exciting time for the local community.
"For us the area is a fantastic business location because it is full of like-minded people working in a similar industry. Rather than creating a competitive environment it has had quite the opposite effect with many of us sharing clients and work and helping each other to develop and grow. We will do the technical support for some of our neighbours contracts, while they may do the off-line marketing for some of our projects.
"We felt the area was right for us from the very start and would definitely recommend it as a business location, particularly for businesses starting small and hoping to grow and for companies in our line of work. Most of the businesses here are quite small and as such are used to working long hours; so it's always nice when you finish late and can go into Cross Keys to unwind and be guaranteed to see someone you know.
"We could have chosen offices in the centre of Leeds but the rates are much higher and there just isn't the community vibe there. City centre locations can often feel a bit isolated. Since moving here in 2002 we have grown to a team of seven and made more and more new contacts including some of the major Leeds agencies. It is a great city to do business in and has a clear abundance of creative talent that seems to grow on a daily basis.
"Of course Holbeck Urban Village has other advantages in that it is a really interesting and unique area with all of the buildings dating back centuries all with their own story to tell. It also has easy access to transport networks and - if that wasn't enough - there are excellent bacon butties at David Street Cafe. What more could a business want from a location?!"
