The Light fantastic shines for people seeking co-working space in Ripon

✨  For some people who work from home, social isolation has become a growing issue, but in Ripon there’s a new light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the creation of a new co-working space in the city centre 🌟.

Following the death in May of popular Ripon-based photographer Paul Oldham, The Light Room Photography Studio in Queen Street where he worked has been refurbished and repurposed to provide a bright and stylish office with hot desks and kitchen facilities for users 🖥️☕.

Self-contained and secure 🔐

Named in Paul’s memory, The Light Room at Jion Studios, where husband and wife Ady and Nicola Gray respectively run their successful The Karate Dojo and Exhale Yoga businesses, is offering new self-contained and secure co-working space.

Ady told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “The Light Room Photography Studio was the inspiration of our dear friend Paul.He created a relaxed and welcoming place where people felt comfortable, where conversations happened naturally and friendships and connections were made.Paul had a genuine passion for people and understood the importance of community, human connection and the positive impact these can have on our mental wellbeing.” 💛

A calm, welcoming and professional environment 🌿

Nicola pointed out: “When the time came to give the space a new purpose, we knew we didn’t want to lose what Paul had created. Instead, we wanted to preserve that feeling and carry his values forward. And so, The Light Room Co-working Space was born.”

Nicola added: “With five large windows and beautiful natural light overlooking the heart of Ripon city centre, we wanted to create more than simply somewhere to rent a desk. We wanted to create a calm, welcoming and professional environment where people enjoy coming to work.” 🌞

Flexibility for modern workers 🔄

For £20 per day, The Light Room offers flexible co-working desks for freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and anyone looking for an inspiring alternative to working from home.

Those who have been exercising prior to the start of their working day, or who arrive in Ripon by bicycle, are also able to use the studio’s shower facilities 🚴🚿.

Pent-up demand 📈

Among The Light Room’s first customers is Katie Reeves, who, with fellow businesswoman Sarah Lewis, set up the Medley Ripon co-working group, whose bid to have permanent premises in the city centre did not come to fruition.

Katie said: “What Ady and Nicola have set up here is tremendous and has proved ideal for me. I wish them every success.” 🌼

Complementary businesses 🤝

The Light Room also complements the other businesses within Jion Studios. Alongside Exhale Yoga Studio and The Karate Dojo, all three businesses share the same philosophy: creating welcoming spaces where people can thrive, connect and support one another.

As visitors look around the building they’ll also discover Paul’s incredible photography displayed throughout 📸. His work remains a permanent part of the building, ensuring his creativity and passion continue to inspire everyone who visits.

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst said: “The need for a permanent location in Ripon, for the city’s growing co-worker community, was identified by Katie and Sarah but sadly their search for appropriate premises was not successful.With this in mind, it is good to see the launch of Ady and Nicola’s new venture, which goes some way towards meeting the clear demand for co-working facilities in the city.” 🌆

To book a workspace at The Light Room go to: https://form.jotform.com/261882294702058

Photos 1 and 2 were taken by Tim Flanagan, of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog for Ripon BID) All other photos were supplied by Ady Gray.

Caption 1: Ady and Nicola Gray pictured in The Light Room with Katie Reeves, one of their first co-worker customers, at the hot desk that she has rented for the day.