Bondholders recognised at inaugural social impact awards

A number of Marketing Derby Bondholders have been recognised at awards which celebrate local social innovation and purpose-driven entrepreneurship

Last week, the inaugural Derby Impact Awards took place at Derby Museums’ Museum and Art Gallery.

Hosted by Social Ventures Partnership, as part of the Derby Social Ventures Programme, the awards highlighted Derby’s expanding social enterprise movement and the organisations driving positive economic and social change across the city.

A total of eight winners were crowned on the night, including a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders.

Among the winners was ethical cleaning firm Upbeat Clean, which was named Social Venture of the Year, with its managing director Michael Gladwell named Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Rebuild East Midlands, which supports victims of modern slavery, was named Enterprising Charity of the Year, while sustainable technology solutions firm Circulayo carried off the Impact Business of the Year.

Down to Earth Derby’s Electric Daisy was named Creative & Cultural Impact Venture of the Year, and global themed attraction designer Katapult secured the B-Corp of the Year title.

Among the awards presenters was John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby.

He said: “These awards show that impact businesses and social ventures are now at the heart of the story we tell about Derby.”

John was among a number of civic, cultural and business leaders who supported the event.

Others included Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Andrew Cochrane DL, The High Sheriff of Derbyshire Sir Richard Fitzherbert, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson, Cosy Direct chief executive Peter Ellse DL and Culture Derby chief executive Alix Manning-Jones.

Martin Austin, director of the awards headline sponsor, Nimbus Disability, 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 be help enable giving that recognition to others is a fabulous opportunity.”

Keith Jeffrey, from Derby Social Ventures Partnership, said: “The Derby Social Ventures Programme has demonstrated that our unique approach to building an impact driven economy in Derby through coaching is working.

“We hope stakeholders in the city can come together to support us in delivering this work.”

​Organisers have already confirmed that the Derby Impact Awards will return in 2026.