FAQs
What is Mainframe?
Mainframe is an initiative that aims to bring together a community of digital and creative business across Derby & Derbyshire, enabling real business growth and jobs.
Based at QUAD, we’ll be hosting monthly meet-up’s covering topics ranging from the inspirational to business growth to the downright futuristic and forward thinking. Whether you’re a pre-start up, entrepreneur, growing SME or looking to bring new products to your company or the market in general; Mainframe has something for you.
Our hopes for Mainframe are that it will become a sustainable community of local digital and creative people, sharing their talent, knowledge and inspiration. We want to put a digital and creative pin in the map for Derby and Derbyshire ensuring that both business and the public appreciate the importance and value of creative business endeavours to the wider local economy and community.
Why should I be a part of the Mainframe community?
Being a member of our community makes you part of a dynamic network of creative innovators who share knowledge and ideas to make things happen.
As a member of the Mainframe community you’ll have access to people, talent, knowledge and possibilities that could have a huge and positive impact on your business. From potential start-ups through to established SME looking to expand, Mainframe can direct you to grants, advice, support, and learning all provided through The Big House programme; a partnership of business support organisations across the local area, each with specialist expertise in different aspects of the creative and digital industries.
Mainframes programme of events is designed specifically to enable our members to not only influence the big debates on issues affecting the creative industries in Derby but to provide a showcase of some of the latest creativity, technology and the people involved.
Whilst promoting our own monthly events and activities of The Big House, we also aspire to give members a wider view of the digital and creative landscape of Derby & Derbyshire: other events, workshops, talks. There is so much going on in our region we want to help people access what is interesting and timely for them.
Who is Mainframe for?
Whether you’re a pre-start up, entrepreneur, growing SME or looking to bring new products to your company or the market in general; Mainframe has something for you.
The bulk of our community come from creative and digital business but we have also successfully managed to reach out into academia, government, professional / trade associations and regional bodies to ensure that our network comprises a broad mix of professionals with a vested interest in the dynamic growth of our sector.
We are also keen to engage with people in creative roles within companies that are not traditionally perceived as digital or creative.
Where are the Mainframe events held?
All the Mainframe events are currently held at QUAD in Derby.
I’m looking for a supplier can I attend Mainframe events?
Mainframe events are the perfect place to meet the best creative & digital talent that Derby and Derbyshire has to offer.
I want to come to Mainframe events but not connected to my day job; is this okay?
Perhaps you have a good idea that you think could be a business in the future. Perhaps your hobby is digital or creative. We’d love you to be a part of the Mainframe community and who knows where it might take you …
Are all the Mainframe events free?
Yes, all the Mainframe events are free.
How is Mainframe funded?
Mainframe is receiving £137K of funding from the European Regional Development Fund and is match funded by the Art’s Council England.
What is The Big House collaboration that Mainframe is part of?
Mainframe is part of The Big House, a collaboration, bringing together support from seven main partners within the D2N2 area. The aim is to understand the unique challenges faced by creative and digital businesses and to provide sector specific support across the region. Through the Big House businesses can access: start-up support, intensive business coaching, small business workshops, events and networking. From potential start-ups and new entrepreneurs, to established SME’s looking to expand and bring new products and services to market, The Big House has something for everyone in this sector looking to grow their business.
What free business support is available from The Big House?
- For entrepreneurs and pre-start businesses support is available to help them realise their vision
- For businesses ready to expand, we provide specific support to take your business to the next level
- We provide ongoing support in a changing landscape – such as bringing new products to market, adapting to change and using digital tools
- We can provide support and guidance on business processes, allowing you to focus on being creative
- We provide a personalised business diagnostic service that supports your business where its most needed
- One-to-one coaching sessions will discover the unique growth potential of your creative enterprise
- We deliver peer-to-peer learning, industry expertise, and marketplace and trade fair events
Want to find out what help would you suit you? Get in touch or email mainframe@derbyquad.co.uk
Can I advertise jobs in the digital and creative sector via Mainframe?
Mainframe has a fantastic curated jobs board for digital & creative roles in Derby & Derbyshire available at: mainframederby.co.uk/jobs
Search for your next exciting role or post an available position – the jobs board is all about connecting our community – matching great local talent with great local employers.
What is QUAD's privacy policy?
We care about your data and QUAD has recently published a new Privacy Policy to give you information about the sort of data we hold and what we do with it.
If you have any queries about this policy or would like us to stop sending you information or delete your details from our database please contact us please contact:
Data Protection, QUAD, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby, DE1 3AS, call 01332 290 606 or send an e-mail to privacy@derbyquad.co.uk