Annual Report reveals another year of progress

The Annual Business Event provided an opportunity for Marketing Derby to share some of its achievements over the past year through its Annual Report.

Yesterday morning, marketing and communications manager, Andrew Lowe, and digital & inward investment executive, Adam Rodgers took the stage to talk the audience through some of the highlights.

Adam talked about the ongoing success of Derby City Lab, designed to engage and inform the public in the city’s regeneration story.

In just three and a half years, the lab has attracted more than 53,000 visitors, keen to understand more about the city’s development, share their views and participate in the many public consultations run with Derby City Council and other partners.

Meanwhile, Andrew highlighted the continuing popularity of the Derby Insider Tours, which start and finish at the lab, located inside Derby Market Hall.

In 2025, more than 200 people joined the free walking tours for an exclusive insight into the city’s regeneration priorities.

It means that since 2013, more than 1,500 people have been on an insider tour,

Meanwhile, Marketing Derby’s Bondholder events went from strength to strength in 2025, with 38 events held throughout the year, attracting over 4,100 attendees.

2025 also saw Marketing Derby build its digital presence, with a huge jump in its social media and website traffic.

Its social media following grew by 8%, the number of e-shot subscribers grew 16% and total website visits rocketed by 37%.

Speaking about the impressive engagement figures, both digitally and in-person, Adam said “We are connecting with a growing audience about Derby’s development – as a place to do business, invest, live, work and visit.

“Our digital channels and work at the lab show what makes Derby tick and where it’s going as a place – we have great stories to share of our people, communities and businesses!”