About

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.

Mainframe is part of The Big House, a collaboration providing sector specific support across the D2N2 area. The Big House aims to make it easier for digital creative business to understand and access the free help available in the region. Through Mainframe your business can access: start-up support, intensive business coaching, small business workshops, funding, events and networking. Mainframe is receiving £137K of funding from the European Regional Development Fund and is match funded by the Art’s Council England.

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.

MEET THE TEAM

 

 

Hana York

Marketing Manager

‘When I first moved to Derby from Bristol I never thought this strange little ‘Northern’ city would ever have as much creative buzz as the city I’d come from. Eleven years later, whilst my accent has remained steadfast my opinion of Derby has shifted dramatically. I now realise we live in the ‘Midlands’ and that it’s home to a truly inspirational and growing creative hub. With strong roots in industry, great connectivity to the East Midlands and beyond as well as some of the UK’s most amazing landscapes in the Peaks – it really is an inspiring place and no wonder people are drawn to it as a location for their creative and digital businesses.’

 

 

Charlene Sharp

Events Manager

‘As a Derby girl born and bred I lived in the city until I was 18 years old. I moved to London to pursue a career in media, because at the time (early 2000) ‘there was not much happening in the city’. Fast forward 15 years and living back in my hometown, there is a hive of activity going on in Derby, whether you have an interest in the art’s, music, media, sport or culture it’s all there for the taking, to be a part of and to make a name for yourself.’

 

 

Adam Buss

CEO, QUAD

‘I’m a passionate believer in the creative arts and have worked in them for over 20 years. Having experience in both the private and third sectors has given me valuable insights into what makes successful businesses grow, develop new products and connect with audiences. Being CEO of QUAD and a member of the Creative Industries Federation and the Creative Industries Council regional advisory board; has fuelled my desire to be an advocate for the creative sector in D2N2 and confirmed my belief that we have world class talent on our doorstep.’

 

Lucy Sherwin

HR Manager

‘I  moved to Derby from Birmingham 3 years ago,  having spent my life in a large multicultural city I can honestly say since living and working here I have never felt more connected to arts, culture and creativity.  Derby is a small city with collaboration at its heart, The Big House and Mainframe are a positive representation of this collaborative spirit and I am proud to play a part in shaping, developing and celebrating this region’s vibrant digital creative community.’

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