Wednesday 24th February saw us announce the shortlist for the Mainframe Awards 2021, live on our social channels.
Here is the list of the amazing people, companies and projects selected by our judges.

Make & Trade
Derbyshire is a hive of wonderful people who make, craft & produce. This Award will recognise someone continuing this proud tradition, selling on a small scale and making locally.
Judged By: Robbie Kerr (Derby Live, Derby City Council)
Shortlisted:
Sarah Hodgkinson - Crafty You, Crafty Me
Claire Zwozny Bestwick - CRZyBest
Sophie Cartmell - Duck & Peach Illustration
Best Local Network
Networks, meet-ups and groups play a vital part in supporting and developing digital/creative people and their businesses. This is your chance to shine a light on your local network.
Judged By: Lily Smith (Student) supported by Bev Crighton (University of Derby)
Shortlisted:
Stephen Goddard & Philip Brooks-Stephenson - KuKu Connect
Claire Twells - Derby's Finest
Yvonne Gorman - Derby Small Businesses United!
Emerging Digital/Creative Star (under 25)
Recognising an individual under the age of 25 who has made an impact on the digital/creative landscape in Derby & Derbyshire. The region’s success in the digital arena depends on talent staying in our region and the judge will look to reward the best and brightest young people for their efforts
Judged By: Sam Barrett (Young Enterprise UK)
Shortlisted:
Simon Marshall - Plus one/Hubbub Theatre/Deda/Freelance
Lara Atkins - Credo Marketing
Gaz Jones - Think3
Mainframe Unsung Hero
Is there an unsung hero in your office? Do you know someone creative who deserves to have their hardwork recognised. This is the chance to give them the kudos they deserve.
Judged By: Robin Johnson (Marketing Derby)
Shortlisted:
Louise West - Louise West Lace Design
Luke Smith - Think3
Abbie Canning - QUAD
Digital Disruptor
Has your company found an innovative way to adapt in the current business climate? Have you created a product or service specifically for our new normal?
Judged By: Roberta Beattie (Digital Culture Network, Arts Council England)
Shortlisted:
Project D
Chathura Sudharshan - Chanodil
Derby County Community Trust
Best Digital/Creative Start Up
A company or organisation that has launched in the last three years and has already found a strong and loyal following, customer base or audience. The winner will have bold ambitions and clear evidence their growth plans have got off to a solid start. The judge will be looking for bright, adaptable firms not afraid of challenging the established order.
Judged By: Andrew Deighton (AWD Development Solutions, Small Business Saturday - Small Biz 100)
Shortlisted:
Lee Marples - Think3
Holly Daulby - Honest Communications
Chathura Sudharshan - Chanodil
Best Digital/Creative Upscaler
Are you an entrepreneur who’s business has seen rapid growth and expansion? Has your success exceeded even your own expectations? Trading for more than three years your bold plans will be paying off.
Judged By: Rachael McCormack (Midlands Engine)
Shortlisted:
Bulkhead Interactive
Rob Millington - English Cyclist
Paul Dyer - Quick by Design
Creativity for Good
The winner will be able to demonstrate how their product, project or organisation has contributed to the betterment of lives through creative means.
Judged By: Ruchita Shaikh (Artcore)
Shortlisted:
Abbi Burns - Darley Dance Productions
Sarah Bulmer - Derby Days Out
Sarah Perkins - Sarah Perkins Art
Putting Derby/Derbyshire on the Map
We know that Derby & Derbyshire is full of incredible digital and creative people. The winner will be someone making us proud in how they are flying the flag for our region.
Judged By: Steve Noss (Cooper Parry)
Shortlisted:
James Pettinger - Mr P's Pots
Tim Elliott - CreativeMornings/Derby
Katapult - Derby Market Place
Digital/Creative Ambassador of the Year 2021
The Digital/Creative Ambassador of the Year will be a champion for Derby/Derbyshire, focused on making the city and region a great place for digital & creative businesses to set-up and thrive.
To be voted for by the Mainframe Community
Shortlisted:
Abbie Canning - QUAD
Yvonne Gorman - Essential Print Services
Paul Rose - YouTeachMe
To watch back the live stream, you can see it here:
A Huge Thank You!
We were amazed by the number and quality of the entries for the Awards. It's been a wonderful way to connect with a whole new wave of digital & creative people in our region and we'd like to give a huge thank you to all of you who took the time to enter.
We'd also like to thank our Judges who deliberated long and hard over the staggering number of entries to reach the shortlist.