One of the Centre’s tenants, knitwear designer Claire Newberry, didn’t have to travel far to source the buttons she needed for some of her latest creations.

“I was looking for something different for one of my ranges of bespoke scarves and I found it right under my nose,” she said. “They are ceramic buttons made by ceramicist Nita Nathwani whose studio is downstairs from mine in Portfolio. Not only are they the perfect complement to my designs but it’s also great to know that I’m supporting another artist working here at the Centre.”

Claire recently exhibited her latest range of merino wool scarves at an international accessories fair in Paris, resulting in an order from a boutique in Australia. “It’s quite funny really” says Claire “because Australia is one of the major sources of merino wool and now I’m selling it back to them – a bit like carrying coals to Newcastle! But I’m delighted to have broken into the antipodean market and hopefully many more orders will follow. I might even have to deliver them myself!” 

Another duo from Portfolio have also combined their creative talents. Jonathan Murfitt, who runs the graphic design company Balance, and resident illustrator Elissa Elwick decided to work together on a project after Jonathan won the contract to create a logo for the Art Council England’s ‘What is Art?’ project in the county.

“People tend to think of art as painting a picture or looking at a sculpture,” explained Jonathan, “but there’s so much more to it than that. When I found out about the project I knew I wanted to be a part of it but I also knew that I wasn’t going to be able to do it on my own - which is why I nipped along the corridor at Portfolio to ask for Elissa’s help!”

Said Elissa: “I can still remember the moment Jonathan knocked on the door and told me about his ideas. It has been really exciting to work alongside someone who is like-minded and that’s one of the real joys of being here at Portfolio Innovation Centre. Plus, if I’d been working in a studio, tucked away somewhere all by myself, I would never have heard about the project”.

The pair’s creations are now being used by the Arts Council England in partnership with the County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd to signpost the wide variety of art events that are going on across the county.

Meanwhile Centre Manager Wendy Nikolaidis looks on with pride at the professional relationships that have developed under her roof.

“Many people might think that being here at Portfolio is simply about having a studio – somewhere to lay down paintbrushes or to house computer equipment - but it’s so much more than that. Here the tenants get the chance to discuss their work, get inspiration and encouragement from each other and because things aren’t always easy in the creative sector, they can be a real emotional support to one another too. When you add those things to the business support that’s offered – and some great rental rates – there’s no better place to be!”

Portfolio Innovation Centre, which opened in May 2006, is dedicated to supporting design, digital and creative businesses in the region. It has since expanded into a three floor Centre and is complete with 46 studios and offices.

The Centre is based on The University of Northampton’s Avenue Campus, enabling tenants to access University facilities and expertise.

Other businesses based at Portfolio include a book illustrator, graphic designers, computer games developers and toy designers, web designers, a screen printer, ceramics maker, media training company, a textile design studio, an online auction company, photographers, 3D graphic designers, software developers and film makers. In 2009 Anglia TV opened new offices at the Centre and there are a handful of offices and studios still available.

As well studios and offices the new look Centre also has hot desk areas, kitchen and meeting room facilities, beautifully designed rooms with sweeping views across Northampton, an IP telephony system and fast secure broadband, plus a state-of-the-art meeting room which caters for over 50 people at any one time.

Wendy added: “There are more than 1,800 creative industries in Northamptonshire and the sector brings around £610million into the region’s economy. Portfolio Innovation Centre is at the heart of this success and we pride ourselves on offering both established and start-up companies an environment which provides all the tools, advice and resources needed to achieve and exceed business potential. The Centre nurtures talent and helps companies succeed.”

One of the Centre’s tenants, knitwear designer Claire Newberry, didn’t have to travel far to source the buttons she needed for some of her latest creations.

“I was looking for something different for one of my ranges of bespoke scarves and I found it right under my nose,” she said. “They are ceramic buttons made by ceramicist Nita Nathwani whose studio is downstairs from mine in Portfolio. Not only are they the perfect complement to my designs but it’s also great to know that I’m supporting another artist working here at the Centre.”

Claire recently exhibited her latest range of merino wool scarves at an international accessories fair in Paris, resulting in an order from a boutique in Australia. “It’s quite funny really” says Claire “because Australia is one of the major sources of merino wool and now I’m selling it back to them – a bit like carrying coals to Newcastle! But I’m delighted to have broken into the antipodean market and hopefully many more orders will follow. I might even have to deliver them myself!” 

Another duo from Portfolio have also combined their creative talents. Jonathan Murfitt, who runs the graphic design company Balance, and resident illustrator Elissa Elwick decided to work together on a project after Jonathan won the contract to create a logo for the Art Council England’s ‘What is Art?’ project in the county.

“People tend to think of art as painting a picture or looking at a sculpture,” explained Jonathan, “but there’s so much more to it than that. When I found out about the project I knew I wanted to be a part of it but I also knew that I wasn’t going to be able to do it on my own - which is why I nipped along the corridor at Portfolio to ask for Elissa’s help!”

Said Elissa: “I can still remember the moment Jonathan knocked on the door and told me about his ideas. It has been really exciting to work alongside someone who is like-minded and that’s one of the real joys of being here at Portfolio Innovation Centre. Plus, if I’d been working in a studio, tucked away somewhere all by myself, I would never have heard about the project”.

The pair’s creations are now being used by the Arts Council England in partnership with the County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd to signpost the wide variety of art events that are going on across the county.

Meanwhile Centre Manager Wendy Nikolaidis looks on with pride at the professional relationships that have developed under her roof.

“Many people might think that being here at Portfolio is simply about having a studio – somewhere to lay down paintbrushes or to house computer equipment - but it’s so much more than that. Here the tenants get the chance to discuss their work, get inspiration and encouragement from each other and because things aren’t always easy in the creative sector, they can be a real emotional support to one another too. When you add those things to the business support that’s offered – and some great rental rates – there’s no better place to be!”

Portfolio Innovation Centre, which opened in May 2006, is dedicated to supporting design, digital and creative businesses in the region. It has since expanded into a three floor Centre and is complete with 46 studios and offices.

The Centre is based on The University of Northampton’s Avenue Campus, enabling tenants to access University facilities and expertise.

Other businesses based at Portfolio include a book illustrator, graphic designers, computer games developers and toy designers, web designers, a screen printer, ceramics maker, media training company, a textile design studio, an online auction company, photographers, 3D graphic designers, software developers and film makers. In 2009 Anglia TV opened new offices at the Centre and there are a handful of offices and studios still available

As well studios and offices the new look Centre also has hot desk areas, kitchen and meeting room facilities, beautifully designed rooms with sweeping views across Northampton, an IP telephony system and fast secure broadband, plus a state-of-the-art meeting room which caters for over 50 people at any one time.

Wendy added: “There are more than 1,800 creative industries in Northamptonshire and the sector brings around £610million into the region’s economy. Portfolio Innovation Centre is at the heart of this success and we pride ourselves on offering both established and start-up companies an environment which provides all the tools, advice and resources needed to achieve and exceed business potential. The Centre nurtures talent and helps companies succeed.”