From architects and literary agents to photographers and designers, D-Lab is currently home to a whole array of talented professionals making the most of our state-of-the-art facilities to launch or further their careers.
Whether you’ve had a clever business idea on the back boiler for a while now, or you’re looking to switch careers and need a little inspiration, here are just a few of the businesses you could start at D-Lab.
Craft Shop
The future of shopping and gift-giving lies in individuality and personalisation, and more and more consumers are turning to independent shops and handmade goods over store-bought, off-the-shelf products. That’s why it’s the perfect time for budding creative entrepreneurs to launch unique craft stores on sites such as Not On The High Street or Etsy.
With D-Lab’s makerspace boasting a range of laser cutters, 3D printers, and a CNC router, the opportunities for crafters are endless. From laser-cut or engraved decorations to 3D printed jewellery, a whole range of creative business opportunities await.
Architect
While we can’t give you your qualifications, we can certainly help you on your way to becoming a trained architect or setting up your own firm. D-Lab is an official RIBA Mentoring Partner and can offer newly-qualified or trainee architects a whole range of support and business advice.
Our workshops and makerspaces are also perfectly geared towards model making and architectural innovation, such as immersive virtual reality walkthroughs of your projects.
Carpentry and Design
Starting up a carpentry or product design business can be difficult when it comes to equipping your first workshop. Rather than take the financial hit, why not start your business with the help of our traditional woodworking space?
Fully-equipped with a variety of traditional tools from band saws and bench sanders to hand drills and lathes, the space also boasts a state-of-the-art Inventables 3D CNC router.
Educator
If you’re launching an educational, tutoring, or mentorship-based business, inviting your clients into your home isn’t always the best option. D-Lab’s bright and welcoming meeting spaces provide a professional and fully-equipped backdrop for sessions without the need for spending money on costly and long-term office contracts.
While access to our meeting spaces come as part of our desk rental contracts, you don’t need to be one of our coworking team to use them; simply get in touch to book the space at your convenience.
Artist
D-Lab is also the perfect place for budding artists to experiment with a whole range of new and innovative mediums. 3D ceramic printing, wood art, platinum printing, and engraving are just a few of the art practices currently ongoing at D-Lab, while our learning programmes often include workshops that will guide you through the processes behind generative art and design using coding.
Whether you want to learn a new medium or simply have somewhere to work on your existing art without renting an expensive studio, D-Lab can offer you the space to create — alongside support, guidance, and inspiration.
If any of these suggestions have sparked your creative side or set your entrepreneurial brian ticking, we’d be more than happy to welcome you to D-Lab: become a member today or book in for one of our taster induction sessions to find out how we can turn your dream career into a reality.