Why Derby cannot let its momentum slide

Here, in his latest column reflecting on the news over the past month, our Press and PR Executive Robin Johnson takes a look at the headlines.

Last month, thanks to the Winter Olympics, I was reacquainted with a sport I find particularly mesmerising – curling.

Ok, it’s not as spectacular as bobsleigh or halfpipe – but it certainly is an addictive watch, especially with a brew and a few biccies (yes, I’ve also got some slippers).

For those who have never seen curling, it’s a little bit like bowls on ice.

Players slide stones made of polished granite towards a circular target area known as the ‘house’.

Sweepers influence the stones’ path by vigorously sweeping the ice in front of them with curling brooms. I bet their kitchen floors at home are spotless.

Points are then scored for the stones resting closest to the centre of the house at the conclusion of each end.

Team GB is pretty good at it too – the Men’s team narrowly missed out on the gold medal at the Milano Cortina games.

It can be a frustrating sport in many ways: just when you think your stone will win the game, someone comes along and knocks it out of the way.

It reminds me of how Derby used to be at one time. Just when we thought a shiny new development was coming, something would knock it out of the ‘house’.

These days though, more of Derby’s stones – or ‘rocks’ to use the correct curling term – are holding their scoring positions.

Take the redevelopment of the Market Place and the former Assembly Rooms.

For years, we have waited for something to be done to reinvigorate this part of the city centre.

Plans have been submitted and in February, new video and images were released of what the proposed revamp could look like.

Another site we have waited even longer to see regenerated is the old Friar Gate Goods Yard – but this is also now being sorted.

Wavensmere Homes is progressing faster than a curling ‘take out’ shot on their £80 million mixed-use project.

And in February, we reported that the roofs had now been installed on the first homes.

Meanwhile, over at Wavensmere’s recently completed Nightingale Quarter scheme, more success is being celebrated in the shape of The Pepperpot restaurant, which was recently awarded a second AA Rosette, just two years after opening.

It puts The Pepperpot in an elite group – and puts Derby firmly on the culinary map.

Well done to all the team at our Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards Restaurant of the Year winner!

February also saw the spotlight fall on some of our major manufacturers.

Alstom held a special event to mark the refurbishment of the first train from the CrossCountry Voyager fleet – showing that Litchurch Lane is adept not just at making trains but also at breathing new life into existing ones.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce posted yet another stellar set of full-year results.

And after launching its £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, the Government’s Climate Minister Katie White chose to tour Vaillant Group’s heat pump production facility.

Of course, I couldn’t let this month’s missive slide (yes, another nod to curling) without mentioning our Annual Business Event.

I don’t know about you, but I laughed, I cried – but above all I listened.

And so did the 500 others in the room. You could hear a pin drop during what was arguably the most powerful segment of the whole event – the Dare to Dream.

Gillian Sewell, the chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, used the opportunity to launch the Tale of Two Cities Early Years campaign, which aims to raise money to help pre-school children in some of Derby’s most deprived areas get a better start in life.

Many Bondholders are backing the campaign, along with Marketing Derby itself – and I would implore you all to get involved.

We are not alone in backing initiatives which aim to help the disadvantaged feel the benefit of the city’s economic successes.

One of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s key aims is to spread the wealth more evenly – and to this end, it was encouraging to see it sign a pact with our region’s universities – including the University of Derby – to commit to promoting inclusive growth.

Because inclusive growth is absolutely essential to Derby when it comes to being a successful city.

To go back to curling, the city needs to sweep hard to make sure it gets all of its stones into the house – and ensure that no-one is knocked out of the circle.

Anyway, have a safe and productive March and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.