Latest Innovate Magazine explores the legacy of Lara

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine, coming soon to a doormat near you, we explore the legacy of the Tomb Raider video game franchise, which began in the city 30 years ago.

It was back in 1996 that a small Derby-based games developer called Core Design released a title called ‘Tomb Raider’, starring gun-toting heroine Lara Croft.

It became a global phenomenon – spawning numerous sequels, as well as movies and other media.

Innovate discovers how despite turning 30, the appetite for Lara is still as strong as ever.

And while the Tomb Raider games are no longer produced in the city, we look at the legacy she has left behind – from inspiring the next generation of game developers to even having a road named after her.

As fans will know, Lara lives in the very grand Croft Manor – which is similar to Hopton Hall, the 16th-Century former seat of the Gell family, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales.

Like Lara, Chris and Andi Harvey, who bought the property back in 2023, they are on a mission.

Today, Hopton Hall is the focus of an ambitious programme of restoration, events and cultural activity.

But as Innovate discovers, the hall is only part of the story. Beyond its historic corridors lies a wider mission: to back local artists, revive old buildings and, in a quietly determined way, help bring life back to the High Street.

When Kevin Drew started his business, the accommodation he resided in was a little more modest.

He launched Ascentant Accountancy from a caravan at the bottom of his parents’ garden.

Since then, through hard work and determination, he has built Ascentant into a respected accountancy business, with physical premises in Derby and Ripley, and a well-earned reputation for supporting SMEs.

He shares his unconventional business journey with Innovate.

People, partnerships and place are key to making a business successful – and they are at the heart of Focus Group, which is experiencing rapid national growth.

Innovate meets corporate director Matt Hill, whose company, EVAD, became part of Focus Group in 2022, and Dean Burgin, Focus Group’s regional director, to talk about the key role Derby is playing in its success.

A company that knows a thing or two about being successful over a long period of time is Bates Weston.

This year, it is marking 100 years in business.

Innovate went along to meet the people behind the company – and find out more about its story – one which is based on independence, deep local roots and evolution.

The King’s Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade a business can win.

For this edition’s Talking Business Live, we assembled representatives from companies and organisations from the Bondholder community to discuss the impact winning a King’s or Queen’s Award has had on them – and why others should consider applying.

Finally, with the World Cup currently in full flow, Robin Johnson, Marketing Derby’s press and PR executive, uses his column to examine how sport has evolved into a key economic driver.

Ahead of the arrival of physical copies, you can read a digital version of the latest Innovate Magazine. Just click here.