Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Anne Western welcomes Chris Marples, Chief Executive of Chesterfield-based Inspirepac, to the D2N2 board.
A Chesterfield businessman is to represent Derbyshire on the board of an organisation which is driving the region’s economic growth with the aim of creating 55,000 jobs in the next ten years.
D2N2 is the local enterprise partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which brings together the public and private sector to deliver a resilient and competitive economy.
The four lead authorities – Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council – are each nominating a private business boss from their area to join the D2N2 board.
Derbyshire County Council has nominated Chris Marples, Chief Executive of Chesterfield-based packaging and printing specialist Inspirepac.
County Council Leader Councillor Anne Western said: “We’re delighted that Chris Marples has accepted our nomination to join the D2N2 board.
“Inspirepac is embracing the latest technology to be a leader in its field and bring contracts from big name companies to Derbyshire.
“D2N2 is reliant on a strong partnership between the public and private sector to thrive and Chris is ideally placed to share his knowledge and give Derbyshire businesses a voice on the board.”
Inspirepac employs 260 people in total and has 130 staff at its headquarters in Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, and further sites in Dronfield, Wetherby, Yorkshire, and Runcorn, Cheshire.
It uses hi-tech printing techniques to make corrugated cardboard stands for leading companies including PepsiCo, Bacardi, Thorntons, Kimberley Clark, 3M and Unilever.
Chris Marples, who has been Chief Executive of Inspirepac since 2008, said: “These are exciting times for D2N2 which is looking to create 55,000 jobs over the next ten years.
“Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have got a lot to offer for companies looking to set up or relocate. It’s important that we help them access grants and opportunities by making sure Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are at the head of the queue.
“D2N2 now has a strong infrastructure in place and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I run a successful business which has seen sales double in the last five years and I hope sharing my knowledge and experience will help protect and promote local businesses.”
David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris Marples to our board and it further strengthens business representation which is crucial to ensuring business leadership of the local economic partnership.
“He brings experience and an innovative business mind to help us as we look to support and encourage economic growth in the D2N2 region.
“Chris has also agreed to lead our Better Business for All Activity which is very welcome in driving us forward in that area to support businesses, primarily by making business regulations easier to access and understand. Working with the regulators and businesses is of high importance to reducing red tape issues.”
George Cowcher, Chief Executive of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is delighted to welcome Chris to the D2N2 Board.
“He is a very successful businessman. His local knowledge and business acumen mean he has a lot to offer both D2N2 and the larger community. He will be a strong asset.”
