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CULT NOTTS CINEMA BECOMES TICKETING BUSINESS’ HQ

CULT NOTTS CINEMA BECOMES TICKETING BUSINESS’ HQ

ONE of the ‘world’s smallest’ cinema, known to locals as Screen 22 -and before that The Screen Room - is now home to ticketing software company Savoy Systems, following a deal overseen by Innes England.

The company – which provides ticketing software to 110 independent venues across the UK – was previously based in Cumberland House, Park Row in Nottingham and was set up in 2006. However, thanks to continued growth, the firm wanted to create a unique head office to showcase its software to potential and current clients.

Now owner-occupiers of 25 Broad Street, Nottingham, Savoy Systems own the unique premises, including the 663 sq ft one screen cinema which has been crowned one of Nottingham’s hidden gems.

“We had always talked about operating our own cinema as a side-business alongside our software.” says Patrick Hort, managing director at Savoy Systems. “But we never imagined finding something small or unusual enough to make that dream come true. When we saw Screen 22 was on the market, we couldn’t believe it – and after a few viewings and conversations we decided to take the plunge.

“Many of our team are from Nottingham, and although I have lived in London for many years, I knew of Screen 22 and its legendary status of being a tiny, independent cinema. Our HQ has always been in the city, and it is great to now have a space where we can grow and showcase our software.

“We started out in 2006 to sell and support our box office system Oscar; now we have over 100 customers all over the UK. Our ticketing business has continued to go from strength to strength and 25 Broad Street will really help us to expand the business in the future.”

Screen 22, based on Broad Street, was previously awarded a Guinness World Record for being the smallest cinema in existence. The cinema gets its name from only having 22 seats, and will continue to serve local people as a private cinema managed by Savoy Systems.

Ben Taylor, retail director at Innes England, said: “Following the closure of Screen 22, we were asked to market the property for either lease or purchase. We immediately received lots of interest both from businesses wanting to continue running the cinema, as well as new independent cafés and bars – all looking for a property in the ever-popular Hockley.

“We received multiple bids, but were delighted to see Savoy Systems take ownership of the property. Screen 22 is an iconic building, and I am pleased the cinema will remain in use, and that the building will now be home to a thriving Nottingham-bred business.”

Savoy Systems is currently using the office space as its HQ, and will continue to let the two residential flats which form part of the building to private tenants.

Patrick added: “25 Broad Street is a unique property and I am really excited to put our stamp on it and remind people of its cultural importance. We want to make the cinema a community hub, where we will not only offer private rentals, but also work to support community groups who may want a space like this to screen their own videos, or maybe even hold events.”

Originally founded to support Savoy Cinema, Savoy Systems now manage and create the ticketing software for many venues including The Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham, Music for Everyone, and Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Find out more at http://www.innes-england.com or join the conversation at @InnesEngland.


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