Case study: 309 Studios

Matt Ogden graduated in June 2007 from Leeds Met with a degree in Creative Music and Sound Technology, in which he excelled within a studio environment. His business partner Kevin Cooke, a Leeds University graduate, has extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, performer and teacher. Between the two of them they boast over 25 years experience in the music industry and in 2007 they started 309 studios, a professional rehearsal and recording studio.

Premises for 309 Studios were secured on the Meanwood Road in Leeds, in March 2008. Offering easy access from all over the city especially Hyde Park, Headingley and city center accomodation making it and ideal spot for students and young professionals. The property will eventually contain six rehearsal rooms that Matt describes as being

 “ideal for bands and solo performers, we will help you get the best out of your music in a relaxed and creative space”

309 Studios launched in August 2008, opening 3 rehearsal rooms, looking to open all six by the end of September. Matt and Kevin are very enthusiastic about their new business;

“We are really looking forward to meeting our customers and getting the rehearsal studios up and running, it's been a long time coming but we think we will be providing one of the best facilities in Leeds at really competative prices, offering rooms from as little as £4 per hour with brand new PA systems and gear for hire.”

Along with the rehearsal rooms, 309 studios will be offering an audio post production and mastering service and will also be involved with gig promotion and music events in and around the Leeds area.

In December 2007, 309 Studios were awarded the Business Start-up Proof of Concept grant, receiving £1000 to assist with the difficult set up costs that all new businesses face, the grant was used to buy promotional materials. They also attended some of the incubator workshops organised by Leeds Met to help improve their business skills before they started trading. 

 
In February 2008 they became finalists in the Business Concept Competition, where aspiring businesses compete in front of a panel of judges for the chance to win £2000.
Matt & Kevin have also been delivering presentations to young start-ups in the Leeds area, sharing their experiences and offering advice to help inspire others to follow their dream.

309 studios have fully utilised the internet to promote their services through a website and their facebook and myspace pages. 

For more information, check them out on MySpace

 

Updated September 2008