Doughnut firm tastes success at young business talent awards

Derby doughnut firm Project D has triumphed in awards which recognise the region’s most promising young business talent.

The company, which has its bakery in Spondon, from which is distributes doughnuts all over the country, tasted success at the inaugural Generation Next Awards, organised by East Midlands Chamber.

A total of seven winners were announced at the virtual ceremony, which was hosted by Ash Stanley, director at AV IT Media.

Project D, which was founded by directors Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond, triumphed in the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

The artisan doughnut bakery has grown rapidly during the pandemic by pivoting its business model to a delivery service with a strong online presence.

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The business was also a finalist in the Breakthrough Award category and Olly Torrence, from fellow Marketing Derby Bondholder Purpose Media, was nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category.

Generation Next was established by East Midlands Chamber last year as a network for young professionals to make connections, build new skills and advance their careers.

It features networking sessions and educational events on topics such as marketing, brand awareness, sales and personal finance, as well as the awards.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “Generation Next is a really exciting new initiative from the chamber and we’re delighted to have held our first major event, which was a fantastic showcase of the amazing young talent we have across the East Midlands.

“Young people don’t always receive the recognition they deserve but we hope that celebrating their achievements will provide the confidence they need to continue growing as they develop within their careers.

“Our winners are an incredible advert for our region’s entrepreneurial instincts and we can’t wait to continue supporting them as their careers develop.”

The awards were backed by the University of Derby, which is a partner in the Generation Next scheme.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean at the university’s College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “Since the University of Derby became a partner in the Generation Next scheme earlier this year, it has been fantastic to see how it is providing valuable support to young professionals across our region, and I would like to congratulate the East Midlands Chamber on developing this very welcome initiative.

“Celebrating the success of young people through these awards demonstrates the huge talent that exists across all areas of employment and enterprise.”