Innovate Magazine raises a glass to those bucking the trend

The latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine celebrates companies and organisations who are evolving despite facing increasingly strong economic headwinds.

The winter edition of the quarterly publication, which provides a window into the amazing and inspiring Derby and Derbyshire business sector, puts the spotlight on companies and individuals who are finding ways to buck the trend.

Out of all the sectors, the pub and hospitality industry in particular, has had to ride with the punches.

From the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis, the sector has had to deal with more than its fair share of challenges.

However, despite changes in customer behaviour, Derby Brewing is continuing to grow and open more new pubs.

Innovate meets with managing director Paul Harris to find out more.

And staying on the subject of food and drink, Innovate looks back on the recent Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards, which celebrates the very best places to eat and drink in the city and beyond.

Another company that is continuing to grow, despite the current economic climate, is digital marketing agency Alphageek.

Innovate meets the three co-founders behind this young firm – and finds out how it is winning awards and gaining clients across the globe.

In this edition, we also meet Eilis Scott, the new chief executive of the Arkwright Society, an organisation charged with conserving and restoring Cromford Mills – one of the most important symbols of Derbyshire’s industrial heritage.

Innovate finds out about her busy in-tray, which includes reinstating water power at the site.

An industry that has long been associated with Derby and Derbyshire is rail.
And in the winter edition, Innovate catches up with Elaine Clark, the chief executive of the Rail Forum, which represents the interests of rail companies across the UK.

In her feature, Elaine talks about how her organisation is tackling the challenge of inspiring the next generation to consider a career in the industry.
At the other end of the scale, Jeff Counsell finds himself reflecting on an almost 50-year career in the transport industry.

The managing director of bus firm trentbarton is due to retire soon – and Innovate sits down with Jeff to talk about his career, which began as an apprentice engineer.

While Jeff has had a lengthy career, he hasn’t quite been around as long as YMCA Derbyshire, which has been serving the county for 175 years.

Innovate meets with its chief executive Gillian Sewell, who explains why its work is as vital today as ever.

And after a 2022 punctuated by political and financial upheaval, this edition’s Talking Business segment brings together business leaders, who consider the state of the economy and what the future holds.

And finally, in his column, Marketing Derby managing director John Forkin looks at how inequalities in education, health and social mobility might be addressed through the city recently becoming part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

To read the latest edition of Innovate magazine visit here.