A Match Made in Hockley

Business and the arts are not obvious bed fellows, yet when two organisations in the Jewellery Quarter were thrown together six years ago, they developed an unlikely partnership which has blossomed into a successful relationship.

Performance company Stan’s Cafe has been creating innovative artistic projects in Birmingham since 1991. In 2008 they secured Arts Council funding for acclaimed work ‘Of All The People In All The World’ and the hunt was on for a suitable presentation space.

Meanwhile metal pressing firm AE Harris, based in the Jewellery Quarter for over 130 years, decided to reorganise their business operations, leaving the site at 110 Northwood Road empty. They were asked if they’d consider leasing the space to Stan’s Cafe. “I figured half a loaf is better than no loaf at all,” says Managing Director, John Sloyan. 

What began as a ten week arrangement back in 2008 proved so successful that it turned into a two year commitment on a rolling contract. Both parties stress the importance of good communication and mutual respect.

“We have good personal relationships with the team at AE Harris,” says Charlotte Martin, General Manager. “We’ve been able to borrow ladders, get pipes cut and their support has been reflected in the reasonable rates they charge us.”

John is just as positive. “Stan’s Cafe are kind, honest and never ask us to do something for nothing. Whenever we help them out, there’s always a box of chocolates or some beer to say thank you, and tickets to all their shows.”

It’s also been good for business. “We get our company name on all their marketing material, and a wide range of people come to their productions, including location managers. We’ve now been used as a filming location for Land Girls, Doctors and Hustle, and manufactured items for the film Prometheus.”

John believes that their support of Stan’s Cafe has also boosted business in the Jewellery Quarter. “The footfall for their productions has been considerable and has benefitted a lot of local pubs, restaurants and galleries.”

But even in the happiest of marriages, change is inevitable. Last year, in a climate of tightening funding for the arts, Stan’s Cafe decided to relinquish some of the space they were renting, wanting to focus more on their own art and less on running a venue. In another case of perfect timing, AE Harris had just secured a contract for a new product and were trying to work out where to house its production. The industrial machines moved back in, while Stan’s Cafe continue to occupy an office and a smaller performance space.

Both parties are overwhelmingly positive about their surprisingly successful relationship. “It’s not a formula that can be easily reproduced,” says Charlotte, “But it’s a good example of partnership working. Finding the right people to work with is the key ingredient.”

John agrees. “I would definitely encourage other firms thinking of working with arts organisations to go for it. There have genuinely been no down sides. It’s been a blast.”

Published in Quarter Life Magazine, spring 2014