Search begins for Marketing Derby’s next Rising Star

Marketing Derby is calling on up-and-coming entrepreneurs to enter its annual Rising Star competition, which aims to give a helping hand to fledgling businesses.

Each year, the city’s inward investment agency gives the opportunity for a new business to receive a complimentary year of Bondholder membership, along with local publicity, invitations to must-attend events and access to 350 local business leaders.

Now, entries are being accepted to find the Rising Star for 2026.

Lindsey Hatfield, commercial development manager at Marketing Derby, said: “We know from previous winners that the Rising Star accolade can be a serious game changer to the winner and their business.

“Each year, the number of applications gets bigger and bigger – and I’m once again looking forward to reading about all of our up-and-coming businesses.”

Among the past winners of the Rising Star accolade is ethical cleaning firm Upbeat Clean, which earlier this year became the first in Derbyshire to win what is considered to be the rarest King’s Award for Enterprise honour.

The company, which in 2023 was named Marketing Derby’s Rising Star, landed the Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility accolade.

The current Rising Star, The Early Years Community, was founded in 2023 by three directors with over 60 years combined experience in the childcare sector.

It was founded “by the community, for the community”, with the aim of providing high-quality childcare, enabling families to return to work, creating jobs in the community and supporting young adults as they enter the childcare workforce, through placements and apprenticeships.

Catering for children aged up to five years old, its three nurseries – Osmaston Day Nursery, Sunnyhill Day Nursery and Rosehill Day Nursery – provide an environment for youngsters to explore, learn and grow.

To apply to be the Marketing Derby Rising Star for 2026, please e-mail Lindsey.hatfield@marketingderby.co.uk by Friday 12 December.

Applicants should send in an outline of their business idea, a brief background of their story so far and why they would like to become the next Rising Star.

The applications will then be shortlisted and the winner announced at Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event in January.

Applicants must be in their first 18 months of business and willing to attend at least 10 Bondholder events during their year as Rising Star.