Bondholders back new awards celebrating those who make an impact

A number of Marketing Derby Bondholders have pledged their support to a new set of awards celebrating local social innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Derby Impact Awards 2025, which are due to take place on Thursday 20 November, recognise outstanding contributions from social enterprises, entrepreneurial charities and impact businesses operating in Derby and Derbyshire.

Organised by Derby Social Ventures, the awards aim to raise the profile of impact-driven entrepreneurship and inspire more people to start those ventures, helping position Derby as a hotspot for social innovation.

From start-ups to established leaders, the awards champion social enterprises, entrepreneurial charities, B-Corps and purpose-driven businesses, showcasing how enterprise can deliver social and environmental impact.

A selection of high-profile speakers and award presenters for the event have already been confirmed.

They include Marketing Derby managing director John Forkin, Cosy Direct chief executive Peter Ellse, Nimbus Disability director, Martin Austin, Culture Derby chief executive, Alix Manning-Fuller and the leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Nadine Peatfield.

The headline sponsors for the awards are Nimbus Disability and Culture Derby.

Martin Austin said: “Derby has such a history of innovation and reinvestment in its community.

“We are pleased to be supporting Social Ventures and the Impact Awards, aligning with our own mission and business model.

“To help enable giving that recognition to others is a fabulous opportunity.”

Keith Jeffrey, from Derby Social Ventures, said: “Increasingly, entrepreneurship is seen as a powerful way to address the unique challenges currently facing society and the planet.

“There is a growing global movement of impact-driven organisations that are responding to balance profitability with measurable social and environmental values.

“Although Derby has many such organisations, their work largely remains unrecognised; the awards aim to showcase local entrepreneurs responding to these challenges.”

There is still a chance to nominate an individual or organisation for an award as nominations close on 3 November.

To do so click here.

The awards will take place at Derby Museums’ Derby Museum and Art Gallery, in Wardwick.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.