Inside The VI Therapy: Healing, Strength and Human Connection

By Argjenda Miftari

Founded in 2018, VI Therapy has built its reputation as a holistic therapy clinic focused on sporting performance recovery and general wellbeing. With qualified physiotherapists, massage therapists, and cupping specialists, the clinic blends science with empathy to create deeply personalised care.

We sat down with Sharif, founder of VI Therapy, and Gulnaz, a key member of the leadership team, to learn more about the inspiration behind the clinic, their approach to healing, and what’s coming next.

“VI” Means Movement – And So Much More

What inspired VI Therapy, and what does the name mean?
Sharif: VI Therapy was founded in 2018 with the goal of providing high-quality, tailored care – from sports injuries and postural issues to long-term pain management.
The name “VI” refers to the six major synovial joints in the body – a symbol of functional movement, mobility, and total body integration, which sits at the heart of our approach.

The Art of Personalised Therapy

How do you ensure every treatment plan is personalised?
Sharif: Every client is different – their history, lifestyle, and goals all matter. We use a combination of clinical expertise, ongoing research, and client communication to shape each treatment plan. Some clients want to be guided entirely, others need support building on existing rehab. Either way, we meet them where they are.

A Moment That Changed Everything

Is there a moment that affirmed the impact of your work?
Sharif: Yes, one that stays with me is a client with fibromyalgia – a complex condition with chronic pain and fatigue. After one cupping therapy session, he experienced a month of relief, something he hadn’t felt in years. Now, with regular treatments, he’s managing his symptoms and living a fuller life. It reminded me how deeply therapy can affect not just the body, but daily life.

From Solo Clinician to Growing Team

What’s been the biggest challenge in growing VI Therapy?
Sharif: Scaling the business, especially recruiting and leading a team. I’ve had to grow from being just a clinician to also becoming a business owner. Learning from others and staying open to mentorship has helped. We’ve moved from Shadwell to Wembley and now have a strong presence in Notting Hill – with more to come…

What’s Next: Innovation and Expansion

What’s next for VI Therapy?
Gulnaz: We’re launching a Hand Grip Strength Challenge for Father’s Day at GWS – with complimentary treatments for top participants. We’re also opening a second clinic in Park Royal, with a focus on women’s wellness treatments and broader accessibility.

Philosophy at the Core

What philosophy guides your approach to health and healing?
Sharif: I believe in strength – physically, mentally, and spiritually. A strong foundation makes everything else possible.

Shared Values with GWS: Wellbeing & Community

How do VI Therapy and GWS reflect shared values of wellbeing and community?
Gulnaz: We’re focused on access and inclusion. Whether it’s discounts for tenants, in-house massage days, or creating welcoming environments – we aim to make care both effective and approachable..

What role does GWS play in the experience you provide?
Gulnaz: The architecture and openness of GWS naturally support relaxation and healing. Clients often comment on the space – it feels professional, calming, and a bit like a sanctuary in the city.

A Few Final Touches…

If relaxation were a scent, what would yours be?
Sharif: Eucalyptus and Oud
Gulnaz: Lavender

Favourite form of self-care that costs nothing?
Sharif: Cycling
Gulnaz: Walking

During a massage – silence or conversation?
Sharif: Depends on the client — they lead.
Gulnaz: Quiet reflection tends to offer the best results.

VI Therapy continues to grow not just as a clinic, but as a community. Their mission is simple yet powerful: make people feel stronger, move better, and live more fully with one treatment at a time.

WFH? At Great Western Studios, it means ‘Working from Here’

By Argjenda Miftari

When most people hear ‘WFH’, they think of home offices, Zoom calls, and the occasional battle with the Wi-Fi. But at Great Western Studios, we have redefined what it means to work remotely. For us, ‘WFH’ stands for ‘Working from Here’, and once you experience it, you won’t want to go back.

Here is why working from an office, especially one like GWS, can transform the way you and your business thrive.

– Studio spaces that inspire

At Great Western Studios, we believe your environment shapes your creativity. That’s why we offer flexible studio spaces ranging from 150 sqft to over 2000 sqft – perfect for teams of all sizes. But it does not stop there.

Our studios open up to a range of collaborative and relaxed working zones:

Front Atrium Area
Comfy sofas and tables ideal for switching up your scenery.
Back Atrium Area
Spacious tables and chairs perfect for team catch-ups or informal meetings.
Phone Pods and Meeting Rooms
For when privacy matters.
On-site Café & Courtyard Garden
Work in comfort or unwind with a coffee in hand.

Your workspace should work for you, and here, it truly does.

– Built-in collaboration

GWS is home to over 75 creative businesses, from architects to fashion designers, photographers to beauty brands. With so many creative minds under one roof, opportunities for cross-industry collaboration happen naturally.

Whether it is spontaneous idea-sharing in the atrium or joint projects between studio holders, GWS cultivates a culture where creativity and teamwork thrive. It is not just about having an office – it is about being part of something bigger.

– Sense of community

GWS is not just a collection of studios – it is a vibrant community. Here, you will find a support system of fellow creatives, founders, and entrepreneurs who understand your journey.

To help foster this community, we host monthly events that go beyond networking:

Creative workshops
Wellness sessions
Business meetups
Pop-up markets and more

These gatherings and events are designed to spark connection, collaboration, and inspiration.

– Marketing that moves the needle

When you join GWS, you do not just get a space, you get a platform. Our dedicated marketing and studios coordinator is here to help you shine.

We support our studio holders with:

Social media promotion (Instagram shoutouts, newsletter features)
Personalised blogs
Onboarding highlights on our website
The famous A40 Billboard space (your business in lights!)

It is all about helping your work get the attention it deserves.

– Dedicated team

From the moment you step in, you will feel the support of a team that genuinely cares. With 24/7 access via fob system, you will always be greeted by our amazing front of house team, and our security team keeps things running smoothly after hours. Behind the scenes, our studio manager, marketing coordinator, and on-site maintenance team are always available to support your studio needs.

We take pride in knowing our studio holders personally because your success is our success.

At Great Western Studios, we are not just offering office space. We are offering a creative ecosystem where businesses grow, ideas come to life, and people connect.

Get in touch today and come see what it is like to ‘Work from Here’.

Unleashing strength and confidence through movement – A conversation with the founder of Savage Pole Studio

By Argjenda Miftari

From corporate life to climbing poles, Ayuna has built more than just a studio. Savage Pole Studio and Fitness is a community, a creative outlet, and a celebration of body confidence. We sat down with her to talk about inspiration, challenges, and what makes Savage truly savage.

“I don’t consider myself a professional pole dancer, I wish I was!”

She laughs when I ask how she developed her personal style.
“I just genuinely enjoy it. I get so much inspiration from the incredible dancers I’ve met, either in person or through social media. And honestly, my own team is full of talented people. I’m learning from them all the time.”

Her journey didn’t start in a studio, but in the corporate world, a world that eventually felt too tight for the creativity she wanted to express.

When I ask about Savage’s deeper mission, her eyes light up.

“Pole dancing made me feel completely different about myself.”

“There’s something so powerful about realizing what your body can do. I was doing tricks I thought only gymnasts could pull off. After long, draining days in the office, it became a kind of therapy for me. And when you’re hanging upside down on a pole, trust me, your brain doesn’t have space to think about stress or emails!”

She explains how that feeling, the mind-body disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, became the heart of Savage’s philosophy.
“It’s more than fitness. It’s confidence. It’s a support system. When someone nails a trick for the first time and the whole class claps, it’s priceless. You feel seen. You feel strong.”

“The name Savage is intentional. We want people to unleash their strength.”

Branding Savage wasn’t just about a look or logo. It was about a message.

“We’re still shaping our identity, but what’s always been clear is that we want people to feel empowered. You don’t need to be a pro or have a dancer’s body to start. Anyone can learn. Anyone can feel powerful.”

It’s this inclusive message that resonates with her community and keeps the energy in the studio buzzing.

“I genuinely listen to my team. I learn a lot from them.”

When I ask her how she keeps morale high among instructors and staff, her answer is refreshingly honest.
“Open communication. I take their feedback seriously, and we try new things together. It’s collaborative. It’s a team.”

For anyone hesitant to give pole a try, her advice is simple:

“Don’t be intimidated. We all start somewhere.”

“Everyone feels shy at first. But pole classes are full of supportive, kind people who just want you to have fun. You’ll surprise yourself with how quickly you build strength – and how much you’ll love it.”

Looking ahead, Savage has ambitious plans.

“We want to grow. I want to bring pole to as many people as possible.”

Whether that means expanding class types, launching new programs, or even opening another location, the studio’s mission remains the same: making pole fitness accessible, fun, and empowering.

Being based in Great Western Studios has played a big part in shaping that experience.

“People walk in and say, ‘Wow, this place is amazing.’ And they’re right!”

“Being here gives us a creative edge. The vibe of the building, the community – it’s such a cool environment. Plus, being close to Portobello, Little Venice, and Bayswater makes it special.”

The studio’s creative location allows students to linger after class – grab a coffee, co-work, or just soak in the atmosphere.

Before we wrap up, I throw her a few fun questions. She grins, ready for the quick-fire round.

Describe Savage Studio in 3 words.
“Fun, cozy, supportive.”

First thought when you think of pole dancing?
“It’s so cool. Even now, when I see someone do a new trick or choreography, I’m like, ‘Whoa.’ It pushes me to keep practicing.”

If you had a pole dancing superpower, what would it be?
“Spider-Man hands! Webs to stop me from falling!”

Dream celebrity student?
“Madonna. And it could still happen.”

Post-class go-to snack?
“Water, and a big hearty meal.”

Want to unleash your inner savage?
Visit savagepolestudio.com or drop by Great Western Studios to try a class, meet the team, and see what the hype is all about.

As part of our Meet the People series, we sat down with MATA Architects, a dynamic architectural practice based at Great Western Studios, to learn more about their vision, current projects, and what lies ahead.

Known for their thoughtful, design-led approach, MATA Architects work across a wide range of residential projects.

With a growing portfolio and a passion for crafting spaces that truly enhance the lives of those who use them, we’re excited to see what’s next for this talented team.

What drew you to Great Western Studios, and how does this space influence your work or creative process?

Location, location, location! It’s close to home which is in Queens Park, which is nice and simplifies at least one part of life… Our projects tend to be mostly central and North London based, bar the occasional outlier. So, this is a convenient place in the middle. As a small practice it’s nice to have our own studio space (overlooking the canal, which we love) but also to be part of something bigger, a community. There’s a creative energy in the building that’s a really positive thing to be immersed in. It’s also great to have
other architects in the building that we can relate to professionally and share lunchtime CPD’s with. And I can bring my dog to work with me, regularly walking him along the canal to little Venice, Paddington, Golborne Road etc for lunches…

How would you describe your architectural style or design philosophy?

I’m not sure I can talk about a style per se, or even a philosophy. There are areas of interest that we try to explore, as a practice, through our work. There are some common themes and threads that run through the work, though they may find very different expressions from one project to the next.

At the core of what we do is an interest in building, making and craft… in how things are put together. We particularly enjoy working with natural materials in their many forms, such as stone, timber, rammed earth: timeless and fundamental building blocks that have been used since time immemorial to create shelter. Elemental building ingredients that have been used over centuries in many forms as modes of production and construction technologies evolve. It’s this re-imagining of how to work with age old materials, combined with modern technology, that we enjoy. Simple materials put together in new ways.

Every project is an opportunity to refine an idea or a detail that came before – either by us, or others before us. It’s about craft and an ambition to refine that craft with every project. This overlaps with an interest in sustainable construction and a striving to minimise our impact on the environment. Natural materials tend to have smaller carbon footprints. Stone extraction, for example has become more efficient (cheaper) and with much reduced environmental impact (a lot less use of water as in the past).

The development of CAD CAM technology enables designers to harness the powers of digital fabrication techniques to create forms that once required master craftsmen (see, for example, the completion of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, almost a century after it’s architect, Gaudi’s death, made possible by modern CNC technology).

What project are you most proud of and why?

The last project we completed in December last year, which we called ‘Vaulting Loft’ and the next one to complete (June/ July this year) that we call ‘Panoramic House’. Both of these projects are expressions of the best kind of collaboration with private residential clients who have simultaneously placed a very high degree of trust in us to imagine and deliver ambitious transformations and extensions of their homes, whilst challenging us, pushing us at every turn to take considered risks. I’d love to share completed photos of ‘Vaulting Loft’ here but it’s due to feature in Elle Decoration’s October edition and we’ve been asked to keep it under media blackout until then.

Panoramic House

Can you share a bit about your design process, from concept to completion?

It starts by listening and asking lots of questions. Ultimately the brief is born out of our clients unique personalities and the circumstances they find themselves in when they come to us (often at milestone moments in their life: just had or expecting a baby, just sold their business, downsizing etc…) and the unique characteristics of their site/ property.

Our design then begins to evolve in response to our interrogation and analysis of these two things: our clients unique needs and the unique nature of their site. We develop our ideas through sketches, 2D drawings, 3D digital and physical models. With every project, we’re on a quest for simplicity, stripping away and paring back the superfluous to reveal something essential about an idea. We try to articulate that idea around a story or narrative early on in the process: something we can always go back to and assess the evolving design against.

Like what you see? Do get in touch with Mata to discuss your next project

We’re celebrating the incredible creative and innovative talent here at GWS with an epic Spring giveaway – and you could be the lucky winner!

We’ve teamed up with FOUR of our amazing studio holders to create a prize worth over £300.

Scan the code or click here to take you to the post to enter and see what you could win!

As part of our Meet the People series, we sat down with R F Gill & Associates, a structural engineering firm at Great Western Studios, to discover more about their projects and find out what’s next for them. Specialising in Structural and Civil Engineering Design, Subsidence and Insurance Claims, Party Wall Act duties, and Temporary Works, they play a crucial role in shaping safe and sustainable buildings for their clients’ lifestyles.

Basement Pool project

Can you tell us about the history of R F Gill & Associates?

Founded in 1969 by Ian Gill’s father, the firm has a long history of delivering successful projects. Ian and his late brother, Lance, built on this legacy, particularly in structural design and subsidence cases. Rob joined in 2019, bringing extensive experience across multiple sectors. Together, Ian and Rob uphold three core principles:

Expertise: Decades of experience in structural engineering services.
Personalised Service: Tailored solutions for unique client needs.
Comprehensive Solutions: Covering everything from home alterations to insurance claims.

Why did you choose Great Western Studios as your base?

We have been at GWS for a number of years now and the light open building is always a source of compliment from all our clients and partners who visit. We wanted to be present in the communities we serve so that we can offer our clients the comfort of seeing that we have an acute knowledge of the area, know the buildings in the area and so know the appropriate solutions. With an office in Essex and now at Great Western Studios, we can better service London and the South East. GWS also provides a creative hub, fostering engagement with architects, homeowners, and developers.

What types of projects do you typically work on and are there any that stand out?

We are proud of all our projects and the value we provide all our clients hoping that they feel that focus and attention. We specialise in residential projects, from simple wall openings to full-scale house refurbishments, extensions, and new builds. We also offer building appraisals, party wall surveying, and subsidence investigations. Our expertise ensures homeowners get safe, practical, and future-proof solutions.

The new website is coming soon. Come take a look to find out more.

Basement Rebar project

We’ve all heard about subsidence, but what are the common signs we should look out for?

Understanding the early signs of subsidence can help people take action before the situation worsens. It’s a serious issue that can cause costly repairs if not addressed early. However, it is important to know that not all cracking is a sign of subsidence — and even more importantly, that cracking is not necessarily a sign of impending structural failure.

Key indicators include:

Cracks that suddenly appear, especially vertical or diagonal ones widening at the top or bottom.
Movement in doors and windows, causing them to stick or not close properly.
Nearby trees, which can contribute to subsidence, especially on clay soil. Not all cracks are serious, but if you’re concerned, we can assess and advise on the best course of action.

For more information, check out the blog section on the new website.

Party wall matters can be complex. What challenges do clients face?

Many don’t realise they need a Party Wall Award to avoid disputes. We guide clients through the process, ensuring smooth communication with neighbours and compliance with the Party Wall Act. Even if a formal award isn’t required, we always recommend a Schedule of Condition to document the building’s state before work begins.

Do you have a building project in the pipeline? Let us have a look and advise on both the structural requirements and any Party Wall implications.

How do you assist with planning applications?

There will be cases where your building project will need a structural engineer’s input in the planning application. It is important to be aware of these as you may need to factor this in in terms of cost and/or programme.

While many projects don’t require structural input during planning, some — like basements, heritage buildings, and large demolitions — demand detailed engineering reports. We help clients navigate this, ensuring compliance while supporting their vision.

Are you keen on using off-site fabrication? Or maybe you want to explore rammed earth? Get in touch and let us discuss your project and how we can help.

What trends in structural engineering are you most excited about?

Off-site fabrication: Speeds up construction and reduces waste.
Traditional techniques: Combining heritage methods with modern efficiency.
Sustainability: We prioritise timber and cement alternatives to reduce carbon impact. While trends matter, we focus on solutions that truly benefit our clients and their projects.

What’s next for R F Gill & Associates? Any upcoming projects or goals you can share?

Expanding our commitment to sustainable engineering.
Partnering with Occupational Therapy consultants to design adaptable homes.
Launching our new website – a hub for clients to learn and connect with us.
Growing our team to help more clients achieve their ideal home transformations.

Want to discuss a project? Come and visit us in Studio 111 for a chat and a coffee!

Yoga and Pilates classes with X-Club

Calling all Yoga and Pilates fans… X-Club are back at Great Western Studios from this week offering FREE pilates and yoga classes to studio holders.

Re-energise with our lunchtime Mat Pilates and Yoga classes:

**TUESDAYS: 1.30pmPM – Pilates

**THURSDAYS: 1.30pm – Yoga

*Ts & Cs apply.

Introducing the Big Top cocktail shaker set from GWS studio holders, Youmeus

Design consultancy and Great Western studio holders, Youmeus is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of its innovative Big Top cocktail shaker set, a luxurious yet playful addition to any home. Drawing inspiration from the fun of the circus, Big Top merges functionality with noticeable design, allowing users to create cocktails while delighting guests with its playful aesthetic. A design that brings the experience of the circus to your home.

The set features an all-in-one design, including tools such as a jigger, strainer, absinthe spoon, stirrer, zester, and more, all housed in a compact, gold-coated juggling pin shaped shaker. Crafted from premium materials like stainless steel and oak hardwood, Big Top not only performs impeccably but also stands out as a decorative centrepiece. Packaged in eco-friendly, gift-ready materials, it’s perfect for holidays, weddings, and birthdays.

Big Top will debut on Kickstarter, offering early supporters exclusive access. Interested customers can register their interest at bigtopbarware.com

Think you know the Grand Union canal? Think again

We challenge any other stuio holders to have so much insider knowledge about the Grand union canal! In our recent chat with Simon Ryder, CEO of the Electric Barge, we discovered so much we didn’t know about the canal and will be off on new lunchtime adventures from now on.

You obviously know the Grand Union canal very well. How has it changed over the years? What are some of your favourite spots which Studio holders should be visiting?

It’s got a lot busier! House boats are now moored pretty much end-to-end along the Grand Union from Little Venice to Ladbroke Grove, which is quite different to how it was 10-15 years ago. There’s been a lot more development alongside the canals; GWS is obviously an example of that, but you don’t have to walk far along the towpath to see plenty of others.

Favourite spots for visiting?

A 5-minute walk west along the towpath from GWS, you’ll find Meanwhile Gardens, a 4-acre community gardens established in 1976 on a temporary basis, but still here 48 years later. Beautiful on a summer’s day, it has a couple of ponds, a Moroccan garden, a drop-in children’s playhut, an iconic skatebowl and a courtyard garden.
Gerry’s Pompeii – the collection of sculptures and mosaics created by local man Gerry Dalton along a strip of land on the opposite side of the canal to Meanwhile Gardens.
For food, you have Panella at the foot of Trellick Tower, Lisboa for pasta da nata, the stalls on Golborne Road, and Layla Bakery on Portobello Road.
St Mary Magdalene Church at Westbourne is worth a look, too. It was restored about 10 years ago with a Heritage Lottery grant and it has the most amazing ceiling and a very cool undercroft. We used it to film a zombie movie with local children as part of a week-long filmmaking project we ran a few years ago.
Sticking with buildings, Paddington has two great examples of Brutalist architecture right by our mooring: the Battleship Building and the Rotunda (originally a British Rail maintenance depot, but now home to Nissan Europe Design).

Are there any other local businesses along your route that you’d recommend?

Beany Green in Paddington right by our mooring is very good for coffee. Also, their Lamingtons seem to inspire a lot of love.

Heist in Paddington Basin is a really good bar – great beers, excellent pizzas and a pool table!

Café Laville is a beautiful spot – an Italian café perched right on top of the entrance to the Maida Hill Tunnel with a great view of the canal and the houseboats moored along the approach to Little Venice.

Good friends of The Floating Classroom, the Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice is as charming as it is unique and is well worth a visit for children and adults alike.

Discover more about The Electric Barge here.

Meet the studio holders: Studio 63, The Electric Barge

Continuing our ‘Meet the People series’, we caught up with Simon Ryder, CEO of the Electric Barge, who when on dry land, can be found in studio 63 at Great Western Studios.

Simon tells us all about their social enterprise, talks about being an electric vehicle trailblazer and shares some top sustainability tips.

Firstly, what exactly is the Electric Barge?

The Electric Barge is a unique, fully electric floating venue on the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals, offering unforgettable cruises along one of London’s most scenic waterways. Equipped with a bar, an array of catering options, powerful sound system and space for up to 60 guests, the barge is perfect for special occasions, parties, and of your, your next team away-day!

As a social enterprise, every booking directly supports their charity learning project, The Floating Classroom.

Where did the idea for the Electric Barge come from?

The Floating Classroom charity came first. The charity has been around in Paddington since 1938 and we took over in 2001. We’d always done a bit of commercial hire to supplement the grant funding that was our main source of income. However, the austerity policies that the government implemented from 2010 meant that the competition for grants became incredibly fierce. We realised that we had an asset – the boat – from which we could generate a lot more of our own income through commercial hire, making us much more self-sufficient and a lot less reliant on charitable grants.

What is the Floating Classroom?

The Floating Classroom is a 22m-long, purpose built electric wide-beam barge on which we provide learning and enrichment activities inspired by the ecology and heritage of London’s waterways for children and young people as we travel along the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals from our mooring in Little Venice near Paddington Station.

The learning activities encourage curiosity, take a delight in discovery and are imbued with joy. We think people learn best when they are enjoying themselves, so we keep things lively, fun and hands-on. For many of the children we work with, it’s their first time on a boat, so we want to make sure it’s a memorable experience, in which they connect with nature and develop a sharper sense of place.

We’ve welcomed just under 60,000 children and young people on board for learning and enrichment activities since launching in 2001, and reached schools in 18 of the 32 London boroughs. Our focus now is very much on our community in North Paddington – despite Westminster’s wealth, the city contains some of the most deprived parts of the UK and many of these are within a stone’s throw of GWS.

How could people get involved in supporting the Floating Classroom?

This will sound horribly mercenary, but the best form of support for the Floating Classroom is money! Running a boat is ridiculously expensive; mooring and licence fees, insurance, power, and maintenance costs come to about £50,000 each year.

We meet these costs through a combination of grants and the money we earn ourselves through our social enterprise. However, we always need to keep our eyes open for other forms of support, and one we’ve discussed is corporate support or sponsorship.

Beyond cold, hard cash, support can come in the form of time, expertise and skills to fill the gaps we have in such a small team. For example, our social media presence is pretty limited because we lack the resources in-house to grow and maintain it in the way we’d like to. Similarly, our websites could do with a refresh and support with that would be really helpful. In general, I think we could utilise technology more effectively than we currently do – it would be good to tap into the insights of people and companies with expertise in these fields.

Another way that people could support us is by becoming a trustee of the charity. We have some skill gaps on the board, so if anybody with the appropriate expertise and experience is interested in taking on a role like this, we’d be very happy to talk to them about what it entails and what we need.

What advice would you give to someone setting up a social enterprise business?

I think the first thing is probably to have absolute clarity about your purpose: what change is it, that you’re trying to bring about in the world? Being clear on this will really help when all the other things start to crowd in.

Just as important, is to know how your business will enable you to achieve the change you’re seeking. What you do and how you do it has to be consistent with your charitable or change mission.

It’s also important that your social enterprise should stand or fall as a regular business. Essentially, don’t think that customers should give you any additional leeway because you’re doing business for a good cause or a higher purpose. What you offer should be as good as it possibly can be, you should be tenacious about making and keeping it so, and in this way you’re more likely to have a venture that will keep generating income for the cause you’re pursuing

Why did you choose to locate your offices at Great Western Studios?

The key thing is the location: it’s right on top of the canal and it’s only about a 10-15 minute walk to the boat’s mooring. It’s also located very close to about 15 of the schools we work with regularly on the boat, so it means we’re sharing the same the same space as them. Nurturing a sense of place and a strong connection to your environment is a big part of what we do on the Floating Classroom, and being based in GWS in North Paddington reinforces that.

We also loved the Studio building itself and the mix of makers, artists, and creatives that were here. It’s a very different environment to office spaces we’d previously occupied, and to the ones charities or voluntary sector organisations normally find themselves in. For reasons I can’t quite articulate, that feels right for an organisation that’s half charity and half social enterprise.

Sustainability is obviously incredibly important to the Electric Barge – please can you share some of the measures you take?

Big clue in the name of the boat: we’re electrically powered – the boat is propelled by 72 batteries that operate silently and with none of the diesel discharge that other vessels on the canal produce. It’s operated like this since launch in 2001, so we’ve have been blazing a trail for electric vehicles for a very long time.

We’ve eliminated the use of single-use plastic completely from our bar stock – everything we offer comes in glass bottles or aluminium cans.

Hopefully we don’t sound like killjoys, but we ask guests not to bring glitter – when decorating / dressing the boat – on board because of its twofold (production and risk of entering the waterways) negative impact on the environment.

All of our cleaning materials are environmentally friendly – we source everything from Green My Business.

It’s not strictly about sustainability, but we’re also a London Living Wage employer – the manner in which we do business and in the way we work with each other is incredibly important to us.

Do you offer any discounts to Studio holders looking to book team events?

We certainly do. Please get in touch through the enquiry form on our website or swing by Studio 63 to say hello, and we’ll gladly invite you aboard with a 10% discount off our venue hire!

Discover more about The Electric Barge here.