Business Impact Report

Membership of the Derby Enterprise Network

By August 2022 there were 105 members in Derby Enterprise Network (DEN) in total.

Sharing success

We would like to share some great success stories from across the network.

The launch of the first student residency opportunity at Banks Mill

Five winners, Sofia Yala Rodrigues, Sarah Blandford, Gemma Woolley, Amy Vallance, and Charlie Collins, were provided with access to a shared studio space with free rent for a year, during which they were able to develop their creative practice and explore self-employment as a career option whilst still studying at the University of Derby.

As part of the residency the group were able to share their journey and experiences with current students, inspiring the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

Find out more about the first student residency winners

Vibrancy fund bid success

From winning a Banks Mill Studios residency award to being granted funding to help brighten up the streets of Derby, Amy Vallance has had a string of successes. Her most recent project has seen a street in Derby adorned with thousands of colourful canopy ribbons.

Amy, who is in the third year of a BA (Hons) Fine Art degree, handmade around 32,600 ribbons which are available to see on Iron Gate, in the city centre.

It was after securing funding from Derby City Council that her vision to “bring joy” to Derby’s streets – and further develop her creative ideas – was made a reality.

Find out more about Amy Vallance

Growing with University support

Ben Collison, Josh Spaticchia, James Heaney, and Odhran Taylor made their first short film together during the second year of their Film Production course. They didn’t know it at the time, but it would be the first of many. 

The business proved a great success and with support from the University they were encouraged to join the Innovation Hothouse a support network and co-working space for self-employed Derby students and graduates.

From there they moved to the University’s incubation unit for creative industries, Banks Mill, and more recently they have moved into the University’s Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street.

The team have seen great success working on a wide range of high profile projects for local businesses including Marketing Derby, Derby Theatre, and Cosy Direct, as well as for big names across the UK, such as Bear Grylls, Matt Willis and the Beta Squad.

Find out about Goldbox Productions success

Studio No 74 celebrate first birthday at Banks Mill

The company has grown massively over the last 12 months since moving into Banks Mill, with the couple recently giving up their permanent jobs to focus solely on growing their business, a scary but rewarding step that seems to have paid off. 

Business Support for CAD for Fashion

Erica Horne of CAD for Fashion joined the Innovation Hothouse, a support network for University of Derby enterprising graduates.

Find out more about Erica's success

Relocation to support business growth

Stevie Davies Glass moved her business to Wirksworth to set up a bigger studio and gallery space, providing her with a ‘shop-front’ to sell her work and support other artists.

Stevie’s rental contract at Banks Mill came to an end in early 2021 but she was allowed to continue renting a smaller studio space there for six months, while she set up a new, bigger studio and gallery space in Wirksworth — a small Derbyshire town which is famous for its arts festival.

I have lots of plans and ideas about how to utilise/develop the space and I'm having the best year with no signs of things slowing down here.

Banks Mill instantly makes you feel more professional – you get a business address and have opportunities to learn from others and make connections. It gets you out of your artist bubble... I would highly recommend it!

Stevie Davies, Artist and designer