It’s good to look back – but even better to look forward

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

So, here we are – almost at the end of another year and I am once again asking myself ‘Where did that go?’.

I don’t know if it’s a sign of getting older (I have a big birthday coming up on 31 December – and before you say it, no, not my 60th) but time feels like it’s moving faster and faster.

What often makes me realise how much time has flown by is how much our businesses have changed, developed and evolved over the years.

I’ve been doing this business reporting thing for a while now, for my sins.

I’ve seen companies and the people who run them come – and sadly, go, in some cases.

I’ve seen the peaks and the troughs and reported on the highs and the lows.

And in between, I’ve reported on the many companies who have been right at the beginning of their business journey – some of whom have gone on to be highly successful.

One such example is Derby’s HSG UK. Quite a few years ago I remember going out to Ilkeston, where the company was then based, to interview managing director Simon Rice about some new water-saving device they’d come up with for gents’ urinals.

Now, roll forward to the present. Last month, HSG was presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation – the second time the firm has received what is widely regarded as the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a business.

Another company I’ve been reporting on for many years is Tidyco, a proud Derby manufacturer and a key supplier to the rail industry.

In November, we reported that the firm had been sold to a Swedish multinational, paving the way for further expansion.

And an example of a global firm which has blossomed since setting up shop on our patch is Toyota Manufacturing UK.

Now, I was still in Sixth Form at John Port when the first car rolled off the production line at Burnaston – a Carina E – back in 1992.

But roll forward 32 years and last month the factory celebrated building its five millionth car. That’s right, five million!

To coincide with the production landmark, Toyota came up with the brilliant idea of getting youngsters to compare that first car ever made at Burnaston, with the five-millionth – a Corolla GS hatchback hybrid.

They made a film in which the children tasked with reviewing the Carina E had to grapple with keys to open the door, work out how the cassette player worked and read road maps.

While modern cars are brilliant in many respects, it did make me a bit dewy-eyed for the motoring of yesteryear – particularly map reading. We love a good map here at Marketing Derby!

Talking of Marketing Derby, November saw us reach a significant landmark – our 500th Bondholder event.

Fittingly, that 500th event was our London Embassy, which this year took place in the stunning surroundings of Mansion House.

It was a fabulous night, which really celebrated the ‘Team Derby’ spirit.

Team Derby is a powerful proposition – and a real force for good.

This was very much in evidence this summer at the annual Derby Kids’ Camp, which provides much-needed breaks for hundreds of deserving children.

Earlier this year, the charity came to us to ask if we could put out an appeal to Bondholders, via our news bulletins, for volunteers to help with the camp build.

The response was overwhelming – and in November we ran a lead story in which Derby Kids’ Camp paid tribute to all the Bondholders who came forward to offer their assistance over the summer.

Among our keynote speakers at this year’s London Embassy were Claire Ward, the East Midlands Mayor, and Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council.

Attending her first embassy, Mayor Claire used the opportunity to set out her vision for the region – and how Derby has a key role to play in her mission to make the East Midlands the best region to ‘live, work and learn in’.

Among the many things that will help this ambition become reality is the East Midlands Investment Zone, which includes Infinity Park Derby.

And in November, confirmation of the investment zone was roundly welcomed.

Of course, it’s always nice to celebrate landmarks and take time out to reflect on the past.

But, in Derby’s case, it’s even more exciting to look to the future – because in 2025 we have much to get excited about.

The opening of the new Becketwell Live venue, the University of Derby’s new Business School and the revamped Market Hall, to name but a few.

Recently, Councillor Peatfield helped bury a time capsule at the Market Hall, which is coming to the end of its £35 million transformation.

Among the items inside the capsule is a Marketing Derby Food and Drink Guide.

The guide lists the very best place to eat in Derby – so if you want a great meal or drink out this Christmas, but are struggling to think of somewhere to go, look no further.

A digital version of the guide can be found here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/d193be822c.html.

Consider it an early Christmas present from me to you!

During November, we also plugged some very important public consultations on behalf of Derby City Council through our news bulletins and via the Derby City Lab.

One focuses on efforts to make Derby a safer place.

The other is about potential plans to regenerate the area around Derby Midland Station.

It’s really important that everyone has their say, so, when you’ve got a free moment (Christmas holidays coming up, so there’s no excuse!), do take the time to engage.

So, that’s a wrap for the Friday Morning Takeaway in 2024. It’ll be back again in the new year.