Bondholders urged to back final push for Derby’s GBR bid

Marketing Derby Bondholders are being urged to back a final push for public votes to help the city’s bid to become the new home of Great British Railways (GBR).

Derby is in competition with five other locations across the UK to win the right to be the new HQ of GBR – and with just days remain before the vote closes, people are being urged to back Derby.

Winning the competition would bring huge economic benefits not just to the city, which is already home to the largest cluster of rail companies in Europe, but also the wider East Midlands.

Supporters of Derby’s bid are being urged to click here before the vote closes on 15 August.

The result of the public vote will be considered by the Department for Transport when it makes its final decision.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Marketing Derby believes that Derby is the ideal location for the GBR HQ as we host the UK’s largest rail cluster – with over 100 businesses and thousands of employees – providing easy access to this ecosystem of diverse skill and talent will be absolutely critical for its success.

“In addition, our communities are ready to host – rail has been central to our economy for almost two centuries – and local people can play a vital role by voting for the city online.”

GBR is a new public body that will integrate all aspects of the rail network with an aim to make UK railways more efficient.

Its headquarters will be sited outside of London as part of the Government’s plan to move 22,000 civil service jobs out of the capital by the end of the decade.

Derby’s bid, which was submitted by Derby City Council, is up against Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

The team behind Derby’s bid believes the city has a strong case.

The city, which has more than 180 years of rail history, is based at the heart of the UK rail network.

And it is already home to Europe’s largest and most diverse cluster of rail companies, employing more than 11,000 workers covering every aspect of railway building, maintenance and operation.

It is hoped that becoming the home of GBR would directly help level up the area by diversifying and strengthening the local economy.

To date, Derby’s bid has received support not just from the city and county but across the region.

To vote for Derby’s GBR bid please click here https://consultations.gbrtt.co.uk/great-british-railways/gbr-hq-vote/consultation/intro/.

For more information about Derby’s bid – and how you can get behind it – visit the Destination Derby website – click here.

To watch a video showcasing Derby’s bid click here.