Earlier this year, few people could have predicted the impact that Coronavirus would have on businesses of every shape and size. Many budding digital and creative specialists here in the East Midlands, continue to feel the repercussions from the pandemic particularly acutely - but help is at hand. 

When Asking Better Questions Ltd was approached by The Big House to become part of its newly-launched Evolve scheme, we were keen to team up and support local businesses and individuals to find a way forward despite the current climate. 

The Big House and Evolve

Funded by the European Regional Development Programme, working  in partnership with Nottingham’s Creative Quarter and the Midlands Growth Engine, The Big House programme  offers an invaluable support network to creative and digital specialists of every size in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, from start-ups to established organisations. In addition to business support, events and grants, The Big House provides vital professional advice and mentoring for local businesses, wherever they are in their journey.

Evolve, which as the title suggests, is an evolution of The Big House scheme, is a free support programme available to anyone in the local areas who have seen a change in their current work situation due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. 

Whether it’s learning new skills, gaining one-to-one mentoring or getting a clearer picture of where to go next with a career or business idea, Evolve’s workshop series brings all of the best professional resources together under one roof. 

Dedicated support from Asking Better Questions

With over 20 years’ experience as a business facilitator, coach and mentor, Steve’s industry background has already offered invaluable insights to local entrepreneurs to enable them to realise their business potential. 

In addition to tackling many of the practical hurdles faced by entrepreneurs, including concerns around financing a new venture and understanding your customer base, Steve’s workshops challenge attendees to consider their personal mindset for success and explore crucial business disciplines. Steve says:

“Joining forces with The Big House has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to offer support to local creatives and digital professionals at a time when they’ve never needed it more.

“Being part of Evolve gives me the chance to show local businesses that opportunities are available despite the current uncertainty and equip them with the tools they need for success. 

“While the workshops are already proving to be incredibly popular, attendees are equally appreciative of having a business mentor and facilitator that can guide them through their perceived hurdles to success. Demystifying these barriers and empowering them on an individual basis is incredibly rewarding.

Tamily Cookson, Programme and Event Manager at the Creative Quarter, added:

“Bringing Steve from Asking Better Questions on board is proving fundamental in highlighting to local entrepreneurs and businesses of every size that they have a future.  

“We know how important a helping hand can be when things seem uncertain, so we hope that the Evolve scheme and the 12 hours personal support available will equip both individuals and organisations with the tools they need to progress with their professional objectives.”

Visit our workshops page or more information on dates and topics for Steve’s sessions and https://bighouse.org.uk/evolve to sign up to the Evolve programme*.

*Limited resources are available for the Evolve programme. It will run in phases rather than an ongoing programme. Contact the Creative Quarter team for more details and eligibility.