12 September 2012

On Wednesday 12 September, we formally opened our brand new London office by holding our 2012 AGM here at Downham Road.

After 14 years in Shoreditch we've moved just over a mile further north to a new fit-out more appropriate for our current needs. The 3,000 sq ft property comprises staff offices, storage and flexible meeting room space. It backs onto Kingsland Basin, which in turn leads onto the Regent’s Canal, in an area undergoing impressive regeneration.

We hope the office will become a focal point for AOP members visiting London who may welcome somewhere to pause between meetings, to grab a coffee, to log onto wifi, to browse photography books and magazines and to network with other members.

There is a members’ room for more formal meetings in a flexible arrangement of space in which workshops, AV presentations and book launches can be held as well as board meetings and other AOP events this autumn. The facilities will also be made available for hire to members, affiliated companies and industry contacts.

Association President Simon Leach comments, “We moved in two weeks ago since when we’ve been establishing ourselves in our new surroundings. We deliberately planned to make the AGM the first main meeting here as we wanted our members to have the initial, exclusive view of what’s available.”

Kingsley Marten, AOP Managing Director adds, “The move is the culmination of two years’ planning and is an opportunity to consolidate and expand what we offer members and industry contacts. It doesn’t just affect those able to visit us in person, the improved network and more modern set up will enhance all our interactions with members in London, regionally and internationally.

On opening night one of those members, photographer Andrew Holt, was very positive about this new phase for the AOP, "The building has a much better vibe than the previous office…it's bright, wide, welcoming and the canal outlook's great!"