Creative Industries

"Royal Crown Derby has been here for 250 continuous years. Smith of Derby for 150. Been there, done it and got the T Shirt is how I describe Derby's approach to CI. Creativity and application of creativity are in Derby's DNA".
- View from a Derby business

Derby has a heritage of creativity that spans centuries and the Creative Industries is growing faster in Derbyshire than any where else in the East Midlands. From Derby born painter Joseph Wright's glowing masterpieces, the internationally renowned Royal Crown Derby through to a thriving digital games industry it's no surprise that the Creative Industries is a priority sector for Derby.

The City is the home to Quad, the stunning new centre for art and film that is set to reinforce Derby's growing reputation on the national cultural scene. Lara Croft and the internationally known Tomb Raider brand came from Derby, which is one of the UK's leading centres for the digital games sector, an industry that generates £150M per annum for the City.

Derby is already a destination of choice for many creative practitioners who benefit from specialist networks like CIN and bespoke workspace. Creatives draw from the rich culture that Derby offers; a thriving independent music scene and performance venues that include The Guildhall, Derby Theatre and the Assembly Rooms. The city hosts a number of festivals including the acclaimed three day arts event Feste, national Photography event Format and the Darley Park concerts.

Here's some of the support available to ensure the Creative Industries thrive in Derby:

CIN is a Derby based creative industry network with over 800 members. They provide services to help individuals build the relationships with other creatives, with customers, suppliers and funders.

Banks Mill Studios provides easy-in easy-out workspace, and business and professional development support, with a view to helping graduates earn a living off those skills. As well as providing workspace they provide business support including one-to-one advice, workshops, seminars and bi-annual Open Studios.

Friar Gate Studios is home to some of Derby's most exciting young creative businesses - web and fashion designers, film and radio producers, advertising agencies, architects and many more. Friar Gate Studios offers affordable modern office facilities and a creative environment for ambitious creative businesses.

Network House supports pre-start and new start companies working within ICT, new media and design. They offer incubator units and hot-desks equipped with PCs, phones and broadband internet access. The incubator has on-site parking, a communal kitchen and meeting room. A full support package is available to hot-desk users and incubatees.

Business Link offer a wide range of services including information and advice, access to funding, training, events, mentoring, business health checks and more.

For more general business support information visit our Business Support Section.

Please contact the Invest in Derby team to see how we may help your creative enterprise to thrive in Derby.

Please call +44 (01332) 255000 or e-mail investinderby@derby.gov.uk.