THE iconic Old Cottage Hospital in Ledbury was converted into studios managed by the Ledbury Area Development Trust (LADT) and offered for rent to young entrepreneurs at affordable rates. Several businesses have used the units as a springboard to greater success and now have there own premises. These include Just Juice jewellery, photographer Caroline Potter and more recently, beauty therapist Lisa Marshall.

Following her return from New Zealand where she had developed her beauty and holistic treatments business, Miss Marshall was seeking somewhere in her home- town of Ledbury to build her on the skills and progressive treatments learned abroad. After looking at several options she found the most favourable premises was one of the award winning designed studios from the Old Cottage Hospital, which are based in the town centre. The site enabled her to be accessible and visible and offer her clients beauty therapies in a tranquil environment, with space and light and an affordable rent.

Miss Marshall said "My studio in the old cottage hospital met all of my needs admirably as it is so important for new businesses to have the opportunity of support in order to thrive and prosper and contribute to the town's economy which in turn benefits the community".

Spokeswoman for the LADT, Karen Davis said "It has been rewarding to see those who have been our tenants succeed and expand their businesses becoming prominent in Ledbury's business community."

There are great opportunities for artists who may need a studio in the centre of Ledbury with advertising space in the window fronting the Homend and with the opportunity for a pop-up exhibition/gallery area. Ledbury Area Development Trust has studios to rent in the Old Cottage Hospital Studios and information is available at www.ledburyadt.org or by contacting Karen Davis at enquiries@ledburyadt.org.uk