Leading innovation figure, Sir Iain Gray visits The Studio
One of the UK’s leading voices in innovation and industrial strategy, Sir Iain Gray, visited The Studio in Bath this week, recognising its growing role as a hub for creative technology, research and enterprise in the heart of the city.
Sir Iain’s visit formed part of a wider tour of Bath Spa University–supported city‑centre innovation projects, but began at The Studio, Bath Spa University’s R&D and innovation space for creative technology, based in Palace Yard Mews.
Showcasing place‑based creative innovation
During his visit, Sir Iain met with Caroline Anstey, Studio Manager, alongside academic and research leadership including Professor Kate Pullinger, Academic Lead for The Studio. He was introduced to the breadth of work taking place across the building – from early‑stage experimentation to commercially active creative technology businesses.
The Studio brings together researchers, students, graduates and local micro‑businesses, providing space and support for projects that combine creativity, technology and real‑world impact. It is currently home to 68 resident SMEs and freelancers, many of whom are using The Studio as a base to grow sustainable creative tech businesses.
Recent figures shared during the visit highlighted The Studio’s impact, with 42% of residents increasing their turnover in the past year, and 65% earning their living from work based at The Studio.
Meeting Studio residents and live demonstrations
Sir Iain spent time with Studio Residents working across games, immersive media, audio and virtual reality, seeing first‑hand how interdisciplinary research and enterprise flourish when universities, freelancers and SMEs work side by side. Among the highlights were live audio and VR demonstrations from pianist Charlie Hooper Williams and Creative Digital Learning Advisor Amy Stone, illustrating how creative practice, emerging technology and research converge within the space.
Games developer Ben Skuse of FUMB Games shared how being based at The Studio has enabled access to student and graduate talent from Bath Spa University, supporting the development of his global games company from its Bath base.
A hub for creative technology and research impact
Speaking during the visit, Professor Kate Pullinger emphasised the importance of The Studio in building Bath’s creative technology ecosystem, describing it as a space that connects people, ideas and disciplines locally and internationally.
The visit was a strong endorsement of place‑based innovation hubs like The Studio, and their role in turning research, creativity and technology into meaningful economic, cultural and social impact for the region and beyond.
As Bath Spa University’s dedicated city‑centre space for innovation and enterprise, The Studio continues to support collaboration between academia and industry – helping new ideas move from research and prototype to sustainable creative businesses.
Photos: Jon Rowley Photography
