Wavensmere director joins Marketing Derby board

A director at Wavensmere Homes, which is delivering thousands of new homes in the city, has joined the board of Marketing Derby.

Donna Smith is among the new additions to the inward investment agency’s board of directors.

Wavensmere Homes currently has well over 1,500 homes on site or proposed across four locations within Derby, including its £175 million Nightingale Quarter scheme – one of the city’s major urban regeneration projects.

Donna, who was invited to join Marketing Derby’s board by its managing director John Forkin, said: “Having worked closely with John and the team for the past few years – as Wavensmere Homes has immersed itself into the fantastic city of Derby – it’s a privilege to now join Marketing Derby’s board of directors.

“Since we first started the remediation and construction work at Nightingale Quarter four years ago, we’ve really seen Derby flourish.

“There’s no doubt in the increasing demand for quality homes from local people and those wanting to move into or back to the city, and we are proud to be playing an integral part in supplying that demand.

“I’m passionate about supporting Derby on its continuing journey of growth and development, and Wavensmere Homes will be actively regenerating and building here for many years to come.”

John said: “We’re thrilled to have Donna join the board of directors for Marketing Derby.

“Wavensmere Homes is making a huge investment in our city, with over £250 million of development activity.

“The housebuilding firm has become not just part of enhancing the cityscape visually, but Donna and the rest of the team have shown a real passion and commitment to supporting our city.

“This is seen through their successful regeneration of historic landmarks, the delivery of quality new homes, and through their passion for what our city as a whole has to offer.

“Donna joins us as the residential development representative on the board and will play an integral part in our continued work to support Derby’s economic growth and success.”

In addition to Donna’s appointment, Councillor Baggy Shanker has taken up a full non-executive directorship on the board following his appointment as leader of Derby City Council.

Councillor Shanker, who became leader of the city council following May’s local election, was among the keynote speakers at the Derby Property Summit, which took place last week.

At the event, he said: ““I am of this city, live in this city and work in this city. We have so much to be proud of in what we have given the world, and what the world has given us.

“Under my leadership, Derby City Council will be working hard to retain what’s best and develop what is needed.”

Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, has also been appointed as a non-executive director.

Owned by Cale Street, Derbion is Derby’s flagship and retail and leisure centre, attracting 21 million visitors a year and employing more than 7,000 people.

It continues to attract big high street names, with recent additions including Frasers, Flannels, Hugo Boss, Whistle and Jack Wills.