Marketing Derby, the inward investment agency for Derby and Derbyshire, is due to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise by Her Majesty having been recommended by the Prime Minister.
The award is in the Innovation category and reflects the organisation’s groundbreaking business model and success as the inward investment promotion agency for the city of Derby and county of Derbyshire.
Launched in 2007, the organisation is a unique proactive, public-private partnership that has successfully attracted over 5,000 new jobs and £500m of investment into the area.
Queen’s Award
The Queen’s Award – considered the equivalent of an MBE for business – reflects how Marketing Derby has used innovations including its Embassy events in London and abroad, a distinctive approach to publications, films and social media platforms, as well as the unique Bondholders and London Ambassador Clubs in achieving its purpose.
Company Chairman Bob Betts commented: “We are really honoured and delighted to receive this award. It reflects well on the work we and our wider public-private partners have done to put Derby and Derbyshire on the map for investment – good solid relationships that will be of even more critical importance in the post-Covid recovery.”
Marketing Derby Bondholders, including D2N2, brings together over 400 pro-active local businesses in a sustainable model that showcases all that is best about the area whilst matching private and public funding to create a dynamic community that supports the attraction of jobs and investment.
The organisation is a key partner of both Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils, as well as D2N2 and an active member of the Midlands Engine Partnership Trade and Investment activity.
John Forkin the company’s Managing Director said: “This award reflects a decade focused on our three core company values; to be proactive, make a difference and always think Derby and Derbyshire first. It is a prestigious recognition for the hundreds of organisations and thousands of individuals that have made up our dynamic team working together to improve place.
“This collaborative spirit continues through the current Covid-19 crisis and we are already preparing to contribute to the economic recovery that will be required once the health emergency is passed.”
During the Covid-19 emergency Marketing Derby has been working with Bondholders in order to reassure as well as signposting practical support to each other, the NHS and other key workers.
