DoES Liverpool is a dynamic, community-driven creative hub located in Liverpool’s Fabric District, designed to support all kinds of makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. It’s a space where individuals come together to collaborate, innovate, and learn. DoES provides the resources and environment needed to turn ideas into reality.
With a fully equipped makerspace, flexible coworking areas, and a vibrant calendar of events, DoES Liverpool provides the tools, space, and community needed to turn ideas into reality.
The Origins of DoES Liverpool
Set up in 2011 DoES Liverpool was formed by a group of six people, including Adrian McEwen and John McKerrell are still actively involved.
Adrian McEwen explained the inspiration behind DoES Liverpool: “We wanted to get access to the new fabrication tools like 3D printers and laser-cutters, and realised that while it’s hard to afford them or find the space for them individually, we could group together and get them collectively. That extends out to the wider community too: the more the rest of the city knows about them, the more epic stuff will come out of the city.”
A Space for Collaboration and Innovation
DoES does a lot of things. It’s a maker space, it has co-working spaces and an events venue, all with the goal of helping individuals, communities and businesses thrive. What is immediately clear about DoES is that it encourages a sense of community from the off. In the space there’s constant knowledge sharing, hands-on learning, and cross-industry partnerships taking place.
Wandering through the space with Jackie of DoES Liverpool, I met people working on all kinds of interesting projects that were possible thanks to the support of DoES.
Mike Gorman, a member of the DoES Liverpool community, said: “DoES gives the folks of Liverpool an amazing toolbox for making an incredible range of art, craft and technology ideas real.
He added: “Couple this toolbox with the community of people with a diverse and comprehensive range of knowledge and skills that also call DoES their home base, then the chances of your idea becoming a real item increases significantly.”
DoES Liverpool’s Makerspace
Now, if you’re an individual looking to get help with a project, you’ll be glad to know the team are super-friendly and supportive. Their monthly maker days are a great way to dip your toe into the creative world of DoES and all the amazing equipment and resources they have on offer.
DoES is for everyone, from complete beginners to pros. It’s this mix of people that make the space so special.
I called into DoES’ Maker Day in December and there was so much buzz about with lots of things to experiment with. I made some Christmas cards and wrapping paper by using some in-house 3D-printed rollers and paint. I also had a 3-d printed book end printing off while I worked.
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DoES Liverpool has earned high praise from its community members.
Tristan Brady-Jacobs said: “DOES is a rare and wonderful community with resources. you can access kit and equipment you’d never afford or know how to keep working but more importantly gain advice and teaching from the helpful enthusiastic skilled and friendly DOES-folk.”
He added: “It’s a platform and a place to think and I have found it a vital component for my artistic endeavours and for the success of the pub I run.”
At DoES Liverpool, the makerspace is equipped with a wide range of cutting-edge tools and resources that enable individuals to bring their creative ideas to life. Here’s a look at some of the key equipment available.
Makerspace Materials
- Laser Cutters
- 3D Printers
- Sublimation Printer
- Heat Press
- Vinyl Cutters
- CNC Router
- Electronics Bench
- Sewing and Knitting Machines
- Woodworking Materials
You can find a detailed list of all of the tools and equipment available via DoES Liverpool’s Wiki.
With the help of all this equipment you can experiment, create, and bring your ideas to life with professional-grade tools, whether you’re working on a small personal project or a business venture.
Among the many tools available at DoES Liverpool, laser cutters stand out as a key resource for makers and businesses alike, offering precise and versatile ways to bring creative ideas to life.
The Power of Laser Cutting
Laser cutters are a great example of how DoES Liverpool supports businesses and individuals alike. Many people visit the space to explore how laser cutters can be integrated into their work—whether it’s for acrylic or wooden jewellery, cardboard packaging, boxes for electronics, or other applications.
Having access to a shared laser cutter makes sense for many businesses, as they are expensive to purchase, require a lot of space, and have high maintenance costs. DoES Liverpool has several members who have been using their laser cutters multiple times a week for six or seven years. Others have eventually invested in their own laser cutters after learning the skills and proving their business ideas.
The laser cutters have been beneficial to one DoES member in particular;
Andy Green of 3D Primo said: “I’ve been using the laser cutters at DoES Liverpool on a wide range of projects for several years. Last year, I started experimenting with laser-carving replica woodblocks based on Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa.”
He added: “The team at DoES were brilliant, firstly by sharing their wealth of expertise, secondly by encouraging me to take it further and thirdly by putting me in touch with relevant print experts who could advise on some of the finer detail.
“I’ve since started running Great Wave taster experiences giving hundreds of people the chance to try their hand at recreating this timeless masterpiece.”
Coworking Space
Beyond making, DoES Liverpool also offers flexible and collaborative co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and the option to use DoES as a virtual office address. This service allows individuals and businesses to receive mail at DoES Liverpool’s address and even register it as their official business location.
The space is home to a wide range of professionals, including web developers, translators, and those working on mutual credit services, creating a unique cross-pollination of ideas between different industries.
Beyond providing a workspace for individuals and businesses, DoES Liverpool is also a hub for learning, collaboration, and community-driven events.
Events & Event Space Hire
DoES Liverpool hosts a variety of regular events and workshops designed to support both beginners and experienced makers, offering valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking.
There’s art and craft workshops as well as technical workshops including coding, electronics, and 3D modelling, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with new technologies. Further to this, DoES’ Hackathons offer a platform for problem-solving and teamwork, encouraging participants to push boundaries and develop innovative solutions.
Additionally, their Maker Events provide a vital space for people to learn, experiment and work on projects related to computing, laser cutting, 3D printing and much more.
Regular Free Events At DoES Liverpool
- Maker Night – Every Thursday, 7 – 9pm
- Maker Day – Second Saturday of every month, Midday – 6pm –
- Plastic Playgroup – Second and Fourth Sunday of every month, 2 – 5pm.
- Repair Cafe – Third Sunday of every month, 11am – 3pm.
Boost Membership
DoES Liverpool also offers a Boost Membership scheme, where individuals can apply for a three-month funded desk or workshop membership to develop their ideas. This initiative ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent people from accessing the resources they need to innovate. More details on current Boost members can be found on their website.
Bringing Ideas To Life At DoES Liverpool
DoES Liverpool stands as a vibrant hub for innovation, creativity, and collaboration. With its cutting-edge makerspace, flexible coworking areas, and diverse event offerings, DoES provides the tools and community needed to turn ideas into reality. The space fosters a collaborative environment where makers, entrepreneurs, and creatives can learn, innovate, and grow together.
The impact of DoES Liverpool is evident in its ability to support local businesses, drive economic growth, and attract talent and investment. By connecting people and encouraging the exchange of ideas, it has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s creative and tech industries.
If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic community or need a place to bring your project to life, DoES Liverpool is the place to be. Visit, get involved, and experience firsthand how this innovative space can help you turn your ideas into action.
DoES Liverpool isn’t just a space—it’s a movement. Step inside, get involved, and watch your ideas come to life.
To find out more about DoES Liverpool visit doesliverpool.com.
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