Why innovation is Derby’s never-ending story

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

One late morning in March, I found myself watching a Radio 1 DJ doggedly cycle through Derby city centre – and seemingly all four seasons of weather.

However, instead of standing on the streets cheering Greg James on as he ticked off another kilometre on his epic 1,000km ride from Weymouth to Edinburgh in aid of Comic Relief, I was watching a livestream in the cosy confines of my office.

Thankfully, a number of Derby well-wishers did come out to give him words of encouragement – and drive him on towards the finish – which he ultimately reached on Red Nose Day.

Watching the livestream, I was amazed how Greg had the energy – and decency – to acknowledge every cheer, constantly waving and smiling.

I’m not sure I would’ve been able to do the same.

He raised over £4 million from the challenge, dubbed ‘The Longest Ride’ – £20 of which was from me, as I was feeling a bit guilty about not braving the elements!

For part of his journey, the Prince of Wales joined Greg on his custom-built tandem (built in Derby) and told him that he had “set an example about helping out”.

To make his challenge possible, Greg had been “helped out” by a couple of Derby firms – Mercian Cycles (who made his aforementioned tandem) and HUUB which supplied Greg and his support team with all their kit.

I don’t know about you, but it makes me kind of proud to know that Derby played a part in such a noble venture.

But that pretty much sums up what our Bondholder community is all about.

If I had to choose two words that best describe our Bondholders it would be ‘innovative’ and ‘supportive’.

One thing I learned early on from my days working at the local newspaper is that if Derby folk feel a cause is worth supporting, they get behind it 100%.

The example that always sticks in my mind was from 15 years ago.

I’d written a front page urging the people of Derby to join a march through the city centre to save train-maker Bombardier, which at the time had been overlooked for a crucial government contract.

I remember standing nervously on Bass’s Rec that Saturday morning with a photographer, wondering whether anyone would show up.

They did – over 10,000 of them.

That generosity of spirit was once again replicated some years later when around the same number marched in support of Derby County, which at the time was facing an uncertain future.

Sadly, that kind of support is being called upon once again after another of our historic manufacturers, Denby Pottery, recently went into administration.

Marketing Derby is backing the #SaveDenby campaign – and urges all of its Bondholders to do likewise as efforts continue to land new investment for the 217-year-old firm.

Being innovative is something that flows through the veins of our Bondholders, from SMEs to the global giants. And it was very much in evidence in the headlines from March.

A business that continues to blaze a trail is Toyota Manufacturing UK.

Last year, we reported that the car giant’s Burnaston factory had been chosen as a Toyota Circular Factory – the first in Europe.

The purpose of TCF is not only to reuse materials from cars at the end of their life to make parts for new ones, but also to learn how to make cars that can be more easily recycled.

Last month, the first Toyota made using parts from this circular process rolled off the production line at Burnaston.

Meanwhile, over at Rolls-Royce – a company which is constantly innovating – seeds are being sewn to create the ultra-efficient aero engines of the future.

In March, we reported that the firm, which has its civil aerospace base in Derby, was spearheading a European research project to develop and ground test new aero engine propulsion technology – the UltraFan 30 demonstrator.

And it was particularly gratifying to see all the partners involved converge on Derby Museums’ Museum of Making – a building that documents our 300 years of innovating – to kick off the project.

Of course, the success of companies like Rolls-Royce is good for Derby.

It is even better when this success permeates through to every corner of the city – and every section of society.

To help make this happen, in March the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced she was awarding £10 million to support ‘Team Derby’.

Led by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and our local MPs Baggy Shanker and Catherine Atkinson, Team Derby’s purpose is, in essence, to ensure the city makes the most of its investments.

It brings together local, regional and central government, industry and academia – to accelerate growth in Derby by building on the region’s key strengths, such as defence and rail.

And if you are not sure what investments are heading Derby’s way, then you’d do well to get yourself along to the Derby City Lab to find out – 60,000 people already have.

Last month, the lab, which is situated in Derby Market Hall, hit its latest visitor landmark.

Launched four years ago, its aim is to engage and inspire people about the city’s regeneration story.

Of course, that story is constantly being written.

New developments are always being planned or announced – the latest in March was The Exchange, a new office development on Pride Park.

It’s a never-ending story if you like (children of the 1980s like me will remember a film of the same name – although that movie wasn’t ‘never-ending’, it was 94 minutes long!)

I’m sure, at times, poor Greg must’ve thought his cycle ride was a story without end.

But he proved that if you keep going and still manage to wave and smile along the way, that journey can be well worth it.

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