‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’

Here, in his latest column reflecting on the news over the past month, our Press and PR Executive Robin Johnson looks at the headlines.

In sporting circles you often hear the phrase ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’.

It basically suggests that while a player’s recent displays are transitory, their natural ability and skill will always remain – and can be applied in numerous scenarios, not just sport.

It’s a phrase I found myself uttering to my wife the other week as we left the AO Arena in Manchester after seeing the comedian Peter Kay.

Ahead of the gig, I’d seen stories in which some fans claimed his act was not as good as it used to be.

Quite frankly, I’ve absolutely no idea what they were on about. He was brilliant – and for me, continues to be the benchmark for other stand-ups.

I remember the first time I went to see him.

It was in 1997. Myself and a few friends from the Derby Telegraph (where I worked at the time) had just been to see the England Under-21s play France at Pride Park Stadium.

After the game, we went into the city centre for a few beers before going on to ‘It’s a Scream’ (now The Friary), in Friar Gate, to see this up-and-coming comedian who I knew very little about.

He was hilarious and I remember thinking at the time that this guy is something special. 28 years later, I still feel the same.

While Peter is Bolton through and through, Derby itself is home to a number of class acts – and that’s just our Bondholders.

In September, we once again saw them show their worth in the news headlines.

One of the standouts (as opposed to stand-ups) was the University of Derby.

Last month, it officially opened the Cavendish Building – the stunning new home of the Derby International Business School.

The occasion saw former Dragons’ Den investor, Theo Paphitis, announced as the university’s new visiting professor of entrepreneurship.

It would have been great to have met him. Sadly, I was on holiday at the time.

He always came across as one of the nicer Dragons – and if I’d been on the show seeking investment, I’m convinced he would’ve let me (and my see-through toaster idea) down gently.

A better invention – and I’m sure one Theo would enjoy – is Innovate Magazine, the latest edition of which came out in September.

The autumn edition is packed full of fascinating features about our Bondholders.

If you haven’t got a physical copy to hand, you can read a digital version here.

Despite the economic challenges and headwinds, Derby is achieving growth as outlined in the latest Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, which came out in September.

Ranked ahead of major cities including Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester (yes, Manchester!), Liverpool and Birmingham, Derby was highlighted as a major employment hub in the research.

One of the major contributors to this is another of Derby’s class acts – Rolls-Royce.

The city’s largest private sector employer is continuing to create new jobs – not least at its Submarines site in Raynesway, which is set to double in size.

In September, it took another important step towards expanding Raynesway when it revealed the identity of its fissile construction partner.

Improving skills and creating opportunities is vital for Derby going forward, particularly for our young people.

So, it was great to be able to report on the success of YMCA Key College during September.

The college, operated by YMCA Derbyshire, helps youngsters overcome significant barriers to learning.

It provides vocational training for young people – and has just been rated ‘Good’ following a visit by Ofsted inspectors.

Another Bondholder which has been singled out for praise is Pennine Healthcare.

The medical device manufacturer has introduced its Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) Scheme, providing work placements for prisoners nearing the end of their sentences.

On a recent visit, Sir Nicholas Dakin, who as well as being Government Whip, is Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury and Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice), praised the firm’s ‘forward-looking’ approach.

In terms of individuals, someone who I feel really embodies a ‘class act’ is our very own managing director, John Forkin.

Some of you may have seen that he recently announced his retirement.

I’ve read the many glowing tributes to him on social media – all of which are richly deserved.

He retires at the end of the year. Personally, I think he might have a part-time Santa job lined up over Christmas – either that or a career in stand-up (move over Peter Kay) such is his accomplished stage demeanour.

For now, the immediate focus is to recruit his successor.

As John said himself in his announcement, they’ll be plenty of time later down the line for reminiscences.

Before then, we have the not so small matter of the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards next week, followed by the London Embassy. The planning then starts for January’s Annual Business Event.

So, you’ll not be seeing him – or the team – take our collective feet off the gas anytime soon.

In the meantime, if you think you’re the person to lead Marketing Derby into its exciting next chapter, please click here to find out more and download the application pack https://www.marketingderby.co.uk/recruitment/.

At the top of this piece, I mention going to Manchester to watch Peter Kay.

However, you don’t have to grapple with the M6 traffic like I did to see quality comedy – we have it right here on our doorstep/

Here in Derby, Vaillant Live will be playing host to numerous class acts, such as John Bishop, Jason Manford, Al Murray and Russell Howard.

You can check out their latest listings here.

But if Peter Kay ever decided he wanted to play Derby again, well, what can I say? He’d be more than welcome.

Anyway, have a safe and productive October and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.