Marketing Derby Bondholder Bombardier has been announced as the winner of a £188million contract for Southern Railway.

The contract success means the company will be manufacturing 130 Electrostar carriages to be operated out of south London stations as well as the Sussex, Kent and South Essex coasts. The carriages will enter service in December 2013.

President Services UK & Chief Country Representative UK and Ireland of Bombardier Transportation, Paul Roberts said, “We were delighted to hear the positive news about the Transport Secretary's plans. It is an encouraging step in the right direction.” 

Tony Tinley, Regional Officer for Unite, said the deal was a significant boost to Bombardier, "It's absolutely fantastic news for the employees and also for the community campaign that has been run through the city.” 

Derby North MP Chris Williamson said it was "extremely good news". 

Bombardier is also bidding to win the £127million eVoyager Project for Cross Country Trains, after Transport Secretary Justine Greening announced plans to push ahead with the project.

Two Pride Park developments have moved closer to construction after both submitted planning applications.
 
The £20m multi-purpose arena, which will include a Velodrome and events area for 5,000 people, has been designed by Mace Ltd on behalf of Derby City Council.
 
The arena will also hold fitness facilities, a café and a sports hall the size of 12 badminton courts.

John Forkin Managing Director of Marketing Derby said, "These plans are fantastic news for Derby, which has been crying out for a major facility such as this. It will be a roaring success."
 
The second development, Pride Park Plaza, has already seen its plans checked by the local authority who have recommended the site be given the go-ahead.
 
The Plaza, which will consist of cafés, restaurants and some office space, is being developed by Derby County Football Club. The site sits adjacent to the South-West corner of Pride Park Stadium and will link the Stadium and arena as well as serve the 10,000 people who work in Pride Park.

Visitors shopping at Marketing Derby Bondholder Westfield Derby over Chrismtas helped boost numbers by 2.9% compared to 2010.
 
Retail analyst Trevor Wood said: “I believe that in the last 12 months Westfield Derby has improved its retail mix, which has attracted a wider range of shoppers. The centres doing well are ones that are constantly looking to attract big names and Westfield Derby has a number of them.”
 
John Forkin, Managing Director at Marketing Derby, said, “Having a strong retail offer in the form of Westfield and other areas of the city is very important. Retailers are seeing the success their competitors are having here and want to come in, which in turn creates jobs.”

Footfall in the Cathedral and St Peters Quarters was up by an impressive 48% year on year, partly reflecting the impact of the atrocious weather conditions in 2010. By comparison Nottingham’s streets were up by only 12%.

Marketing Derby Bondholder Derby College has announced the news that Principal David Croll has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in recognition for his services to education.

David, who since being appointed Principal at Derby Tertiary College, Wilmorton in 1995, has led in the transformation of further education in the city, which has included the Joseph Wright Centre and the award-winning The Roundhouse.

David said, “I am obviously delighted to accept the OBE on behalf of everyone at Derby College who has worked so hard over the years and continues to do so to make this an astounding centre of excellence for further education.”

“Having brought four colleges together under the Derby College banner, raised standards and invested heavily in developing state of the art facilities, this is a wonderful testament to the recognition and value that is put on our achievements.”

Derby College Chair of Governors Janet Morgan commented, “His commitment to high standards in education - has led Derby College to be at the heart of the city’s successful regeneration and this is well-deserved recognition for him and the College as a whole.”

• Company Name: FP Training Ltd
• Web Address: www.fptrainingltd.co.uk
• Tel No: 01332 557300
• Email address: martin.perry@fptrainingltd.co.uk
• Location: Derby
• What do you do/ what is your mission statement? We specialise in developing Leaders and Managers at all levels within organisations who will be able to effectively drive the business forward through innovation thinking both strategically and operationally .Be able to deliver results and customer service aligned with company targets and to proactively develop and take ownership of their own and their staffs personal development.
We achieve this by working closely with organization to develop bespoke training programs either non-accredited or accredited though the Institute of Leadership and Management
• How many employees do you have? 2
• When did your business start?  2002
• Why have you become a Bondholder?  To meet some of the top companies in Derby and to help promote and share in Derby’s success. We work nationwide and are always promoting Derby as a great city, we can now do this under the umbrella of Marketing Derby.
• What do you think of the scheme? A great way to promote the city nationally and work together locally
• What are your favourite things about Derby? Incredibly friendly people who always have time to talk, the unlimited amount of things you can do from walking and biking in the Peak District to visiting local attractions.