Former accountant Matthew Dixon has made the break from the worlds of corporate and school finance, after figuring out a brilliant way to become his own boss!
Having had whale of a time doing essential research, Matthew has hung-up his city suit, dressed down and cannot wait to launch his exciting new escape rooms venture, Deliverance.
News comes after Lincoln-based chartered surveyor Banks Long & Co leased the entrepreneur upstairs premises (extending across three floors) at the junction of the city’s High Street with Clasketgate.
Now Matthew is busy putting the finishing touches to four themed rooms, where he will hold “adventurers” captive until they have cracked a string of clues and finally reclaimed their freedom!
The former University of Lincoln student, who is originally from the Peterborough area is thrilled to be fulfilling a double ambition, by starting his own business and breaking into the world of play!
He is putting the final touches to his immersive experience with the help of partner Sophie Hales, who is originally from Scunthorpe, but who has become a primary school teacher after studying at Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University.
“I first tried an escape room two years ago and enjoyed it so much I was encouraged to visit many others. It’s the best sort of research you can ever do. It’s so much fun!,” said Matthew.
“Naturally, I also explored the mechanics and cost of setting-up my business and thought ‘this could work,’ then I started seriously planning Deliverance just over a year ago.
“We are creating four different experiences – one involving a bank robbery, another featuring an isolated cabin in a wood, the next a different kind of hideaway and finally a war experience, called Besieged. The latter has been constructed with the help of my friend Craig Clay.”
Matthew hopes to welcome his first “adventurers” at the end of this month. Deliverance will be open from 10am to 10pm and will offer one-hourly sessions for two to six people, so when fully booked there could be 24 players trying to make their escape from the themed rooms.
“We are going to be open seven days a week, with the last gamers being admitted at 9pm each evening. People will be able to pre-book a session or walk in off the street and check availability.
“I am hoping my escape rooms will attract corporate groups, friends looking for a different kind of celebration, businesses wanting a team-building activity and others. In addition, I am hoping that Deliverance will create part-time employment opportunities for students,” he added.
Banks Long & Co Surveyor Harry Hodgkinson said: “We are pleased to have acted for our client in leasing these three storey premises at the corner of Clasketgate with High Street to Mr Dixon.
“His new venture sounds exciting and a perfect fit for this building. Its position in this busy part of the High Street is in the ideal location to attract passing trade, in addition to pre-booked escape rooms sessions. We wish him well for the future.”
