Latest edition of Innovate Magazine focuses on burgeoning visitor economy

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine launched this week, we look at how millions of pounds of investment, new venue openings and fresh thinking are boosting the region’s visitor economy.

First, Innovate visits the huge success story that is Mercia Marina, charting its rise from a former quarry to a major visitor attraction.

Situated between Willington and Findern, today, it is Europe’s largest inland marina, attracting more than 800,000 visitors a year.

Innovate hooks up with the marina’s marketing manager, Tony Preston, to find out how the site has evolved – and why it is continuing to do so, with stunning new developments making it the ideal place to shop, dine and relax.

We also meet Stella Birks, Derby’s city’s visitor economy development manager and Rob Gorton, the chair of Destination Derby, whose members are drawn from businesses and organisations directly involved in the visitor economy and those with a stake in improving outside perceptions of the city.

Together, they explain why there is growing confidence about Derby’s potential as a visitor destination.

Of course, part of that offer must be good quality accommodation.

Isuru Somaweera is looking to provide just that at the recently revamped Cathedral Quarter Hotel.

This beautiful, historic Grade II-listed boutique hotel has a key role to play in the region’s visitor offer – and it’s one new owner Lavendish Leisure are hugely excited by.

Innovate pays a visit to find out more about the rebirth of this city gem.

Elsewhere, Innovate profiles heating tech giant Vaillant. Earlier this year, the Belper-based firm opened a new plant at Indurent Park Derby, a new industrial hub created by Indurent.

Innovate learns how the firm is planning to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution with its heat pump technology.

We also discover how the firm has quickly put down roots in the local community, with partnerships with the likes of Derby College Group, Derby Museums, not to mention its sponsorship of the city’s new performance venue Vaillant Live.

In this edition, we meet a familiar face to many of us, Rachel Morris DL, who has devoted much of her career to improve the fortunes of Derby – and those living in it.

As Chapter Steward, she was responsible for the city’s cathedral. With the YMCA, she worked to provide homes for young people. In her current ‘day job’, she leads a team supporting victims of sexual violence.

And in a voluntary capacity, she’s a board member with Derby County Community Trust, a director of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, and, as founder of Friends of Derby 500 Club, has raised thousands of pounds to deliver swift assistance to those in desperate need.

Part of the strategy to breathe new life into Derby city centre, involves encouraging more businesses to move in.

This edition’s Talking Business discussion, sees a panel of experts come together to talk about Derby’s aim to make the city centre a more attractive base for businesses.

And we also meet Lee Jepson, founder of Derby company L.E.A.D IT Services, who believes technology can play a huge role in unlocking potential – for organisations and individuals.

Lee is particularly passionate about applying his team’s expertise within education, working with more than 200 schools to help pupils develop the skills they will need for tomorrow’s world of work.

Finally, John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, examines the dynamic between heritage and regeneration, following the demise of the old Derby Hippodrome.

A digital version of the latest edition of Innovate magazine is now available on the Marketing Derby website, https://heyzine.com/flip-book/0fb028e91f.html.

To find out more about advertising opportunities in future editions of Innovate Magazine e-mail Andrew Lowe at andrew.lowe@marketingderby.co.uk.