Collaboration the key to delivering major schemes

A collaborative approach has been key to Derby delivering some major investments, that was the view shared by a panel debate held during Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event.

Chaired by Steve Hall, Marketing Derby board member and owner of Steve Hall Communications, the discussion brought together Paul Simpson, chief executive of Derby City Council, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, and  Bev Wakefield, owner of Vibrant Accountancy.

It began with Paul outlining some of Derby’s major schemes, some of which are in the pipeline – and others which are currently in full swing.

Two commercial schemes that are progressing at a rapid pace are SmartParc SEGRO Derby and St. Modwen Park Derby.

Paul said: “SmartParc goes from strength to strength. By the end of this year, they will have delivered a million sq ft of new space. It was only just over three years ago that we first met the SmartParc team, so progress has been rapid.

“HelloFresh is the first tenant and I know they are hoping to announce a second tenant very soon.”

On the topic of St. Modwen Park Derby, Paul explained how the city managed to help attract international names such as Vaillant and Getinge to the development.

He said: “St. Modwen Park Derby is a great example of partnership working. It’s a genuine pleasure to play a part in encouraging business to come to our city.

“There are now two really strong FDI businesses relocating to Derby, creating local jobs.

“Derby City Council is delighted to be in partnership with Marketing Derby to help bring them here.”

Paul also updated the audience on the progress of important city centre schemes, including the new Becketwell Performance Venue, the Market Hall revamp, the Assemble learning theatre and the Eastern Gateway project.

Paul said: “Public investment in the city centre is about leveraging additional private sector investment, from schemes at the Eastern Gateway with Derbion to Becketwell with St James Securities, all the way through to plans such as the Assembly Rooms with the University of Derby.”

The University of Derby is planning to invest heavily in the city centre, with the creation of a new Business School, along with a brand-new campus.

Kathryn said: “We have a huge opportunity through the Business School to work with more businesses and help create a vibrant city centre to retain more graduates and live in the city centre.

“It’s more than just a building, it’s the first cornerstone to demonstrate our commitment to the city centre.”

Kathryn also spoke of her pride in helping to create the new Nuclear Skills Academy, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce – and Derby’s achievement in being accepted into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

She said: “Through becoming a UNESCO learning city, it helps recognise the gaps in learning in our city – the biggest outcome is who we will partner with globally to tackle these challenges.”

Finally, Bev Wakefield gave the SME perspective – and shared her views on what these new investments in Derby mean for businesses already in the city.

She said: “Diversification of our economy gives SMEs the courage to move into new industries.

“We can all make an impact to Derby, but it’s that collaborative approach that we do in Derby that helps make things happen.”