The Creative Quarter Company, which has spent ten years building a new home for small businesses and creative minds in the east of Nottingham city centre, goes into voluntary liquidation on Friday.
The company was founded by Nottingham City Council in 2012, and since 2016 has been jointly owned with Nottingham Trent University. Both organisations committed to supporting the core objectives of the CQC, which have been delivered over the last ten years.
With the regeneration of the Sneinton Market area now complete, NCC and NTU have agreed that it is an opportune time to seek alternative ways to work together for the benefit of the city and its communities.
Tamily Cookson, interim CEO of CQC, said: “Although the team and I are sad to say goodbye on behalf of the Creative Quarter Company, we are proud of the legacy that has been created with the city’s Creative Quarter very much established and thriving.
“There are many significant successes to mark as part of this announcement – the evolution of Sneinton Market being a central achievement, not forgetting the many amazing businesses and independents that have flourished to bring investment and employment to Nottingham. Our team and partners can celebrate the lasting impact we’ve had on the city with a now defined Creative Quarter that will remain as a fantastic destination for work, life, and play, as well as being a thriving community for professionals and small businesses.”
Some of the CQC’s key achievements include:
- The evolution of Nottingham city centre’s east side with a 905% increase in creative digital industries (CDI) in the designated Creative Quarter area. This has contributed 11% GVA to Nottingham’s economy at a value of £1.2 billion, growing nearly five times more than the average industry in Nottingham.
- The creation of Sneinton Market Avenues from formerly derelict premises to create a thriving hub for independent businesses with support from Nottingham City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
- Boosting the city’s culture and creativity including its role in the annual Light Night, plus its support for Nottingham Craft Beer Festival, Nottingham Puppet Festival, Wigflex, Green Hustle and many more events.
- Being the lead partner on The Big House business support programme with over 2,000 creative and digital businesses enrolled to date.
- Working with Nottingham Trent University to retain graduate talent by building pathways to creative careers through talks, events and placement opportunities.
- Achieving the largest employment growth in the UK’s CDI since 2015, outpacing London.
