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Gaby Redman Design Studio opens new shop after starting out at Co-Innovation Hub incubation space in Dover

11:22, 03 September 2020

updated: 11:22, 03 September 2020

More occupants of a business incubation hub have spread their wings into a prime town centre premises after growing their business.

Gaby Redman Design Studio, popular for its range of upcycled home décor, has moved into new premises at 7 Cannon Street in Dover .

Gaby Redman and Malcolm Steven of Gaby Redman Design Studio
Gaby Redman and Malcolm Steven of Gaby Redman Design Studio

Ms Redman is the second start-up from the Co-Innovation Hub to start trading from their own premises.

The hub, at the former Co-operative in Stembrook, was opened by Elizabeth McKenna, a contestant from BBC's The Apprentice in March 2019 .

The aim of the venue was to create an affordable incubator space for new business to grow until they are ready to expand into their own town centre premises.

It was a Lottery-funded project and a collaboration between the Dover Big Local group and Dover District Council.

Gaby Redman said: “The Co-Innovation Hub was the perfect space to grow my business. I’ve built up a strong customer base in Dover offering something different that combines my passion for interior design with people's desire for unique, sustainable, upcycled and recycled items.

Apprentice contestant Elizabeth McKenna opened the Co-Innovation Hub in Dover in March 2019
Apprentice contestant Elizabeth McKenna opened the Co-Innovation Hub in Dover in March 2019

“I am really excited to be moving into my own shop, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to the new store where I can really show off my high-end quality items.”

There are currently 24 small businesses trading from the Co-Innovation Hub’s shopping arcade.

In March, a year after the hub opened, businesswoman Angela Hoskins branched out and opened her Preloved Plus store at 2 Cherry Tree Avenue.

Occupants at the hub benefit from cheap rent - £1 per sq foot per month - including utility bills and Wi-Fi.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “Gaby’s success shows exactly the sort of entrepreneurship that we had hoped to stimulate when we purchased the former Co-op building and created the Co-Innovation Hub together with Dover Big Local.

Angela Hoskins, owner of Preloved Plus, started out at the Co-Innovation Hub in Dover
Angela Hoskins, owner of Preloved Plus, started out at the Co-Innovation Hub in Dover

“We wish Gaby every success and encourage everyone to support local, shop local as our high streets re-open and we get back to business.”

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