Framework contract opportunity: Venues

Framework venue contract for The Big House programme for venues across Derbys/Notts area with spaces suitable for a variety of business events and activities (conferences, workshops, networking events and meetings). Events will be aimed at start-up, early stage and established businesses and entrepreneurs.

What we're looking for -

• We would like to hear from suitable venues for hosting business events. The framework which will be used for awarding contracts throughout the Open Doors/Big House programme, 2017 - 2019.

• The framework will allow us to book venues for a range of different events on a regular basis.

• We welcome applications from venues with versatile, flexible and multipurpose spaces suitable for a variety of business events and activities (including small conferences, workshops, networking events and meetings).

• This process will be implemented in line with ERDF guidelines.

The Big House is a 3-year, £5 million tailored support programme for the Creative and Digital Industries (CDI) sector in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. The programme is part-funded by a £2.5 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from the Creative Local Growth Fund programme, funded by Arts Council England.

The aim of The Big House is to help creative and digital businesses to grow and to support the creation of new jobs. Support on offer includes one-to-one advice, coaching, grants, peer-to-peer learning and business engagement events. The programme aims to support over 500 businesses with over £350,000 of grant funding, matched by private investment.

CQ is one of The Big House delivery partners, along with the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University - The Hive, New Art Exchange, Derby Theatre, Derby QUAD and NBV Enterprise Solutions.

The Creative Quarter's element of The Big House is called Open Doors and offers an information, engagement and communications hub focused on CDI businesses and activity, across the D2N2 area (D2N2 is the local enterprise partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire).

Open Doors is delivering the following elements of The Big House: • A range of support, including one-to-one intensive business coaching

• Peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities
• Market place and trade fair events
• Wide ranging business engagement events with creative, digital and technology experts