Could you be Marketing Derby’s next rising star?

Marketing Derby is calling on up-and-coming entrepreneurs to enter its annual Rising Star competition, which aims to give a helping hand to fledgling businesses.

Each year, the city’s inward investment agency gives the opportunity for a new business to receive a complimentary year of Bondholder membership, along with local publicity, invitations to must-attend events and access to 350 local business leaders.

Now, entries are being accepted to find the Rising Star for 2025.

This year, the title of Rising Star went to Two Chevrons, an organisation which aims to address challenges within the veteran and blue light sectors by fostering partnerships with businesses and organisations across the UK.

Joshua Leach-Aslam, founder of Two Chevrons, said: “We were incredibly honoured to receive the Marketing Derby Rising Star Award.

“This recognition has played a pivotal role in bridging communications within Derbyshire and across the UK, allowing us to connect with businesses, community leaders, and residents in ways we never imagined.

“The award has given us a platform that not only raised awareness about our services but also made it easier for other organisations to discover and collaborate with us.”

According to Joshua, winning the Rising Star accolade was instrumental in the successful launch of its charity arm, Two Chevrons CIC, which directly supports veterans and service leavers in Derbyshire and across the UK.

Joshua said: “Through this initiative, we have been able to raise awareness about free education opportunities, provide mentoring, offer support, and help service leavers transition into full-time employment.

“We’re now collaborating with other veteran charities to provide breakfasts for those seeking to reconnect or those who need it most.

“We’re proud of the impact we’ve made so far and excited to continue growing our efforts, thanks to the visibility and trust this award has brought us.”

Lindsey Hatfield, commercial development manager at Marketing Derby, said: “We know from previous winners that the Rising Star accolade can be a serious game changer to the winner and their business.

“We’ve been delighted to see how Two Chevrons has flourished, with its Rising Star status helping it build partnerships with businesses and other organisations.

“Each year, the number of applications gets bigger and bigger – and I’m once again looking forward to reading about all of our up-and-coming businesses.”

To apply to be the Marketing Derby Rising Star for 2025, please e-mail Lindsey.hatfield@marketingderby.co.uk by 13 December.

Applicants should send in an outline of their business idea, a brief background of their story so far and why they would like to become the next Rising Star.

The applications will then be shortlisted and the winner announced at Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event in January.

Applicants must be in their first 18 months of business and willing to attend at least 10 Bondholder events during their year as Rising Star.