The Queen’s Award-winning company always thinking Derby first

John Forkin MBE DL

Hailing from Normanton in Derby, I moved to London to study Politics and Government at City Poly. After graduating, I lived in Geneva Switzerland and Groningen Netherlands before returning to base my career in Derby working around the UK, Europe and beyond.

Q&A with John

You’ll find me…

Escaping the world of Zoom – finally getting back to visiting our brilliant businesses, hosting investor one-to-ones in both Derby and London, as well as attending Marketing Derby Bondholder events and of course our very special investment Embassies…

I’m currently working on…

Communicating with stakeholders and bondholders on the impact we make together in shaping our future city and county.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“Perfect is the enemy of the best.”

My hidden Derby gem is…

From the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter to the hidden Cathedral of the Peak – Tideswell – there are so many but, I’m going to say Normanton Road – a vibrant, chaotic, diverse, cacophony of enterprise – the world in a street!

What I bring to the team…

I’m hoping, some support, reassurance and clear direction!

Read my latest blog

Is Derby the worst city in the UK?

Kathryn Allen

Having grown up coming to Derby as my local city and exploring the stunning Derbyshire countryside on my doorstep, it is great to now be showcasing the offer of the Derby area to others.

Q&A with Kathryn

You’ll find me…

Heading up the inward investment service, making sure our operations are joined up and convincing others that Derby is worth a look.

I’m currently working on…

A range of short-term investor requirements alongside longer terms plans for attracting investment to the Derby area.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller, 1986

My hidden Derby gem is…

Somewhere in the Museum of Making’s assemblage of objects…

What I bring to the team…

Dictionary corner! Grammar and punctuation checks are always thrown in for free…

Amy Burton

I am Derby born and bred; raised in the south of the county and now residing in the city. University and travel could only keep me away for so long before settling here to start a career in property and raise a family. I love being able to advocate for and actively promote my brilliant city on an official basis.

Q&A with Amy

You’ll find me…

Talking. A lot. And being perpetually excited by the people I meet, doing the most brilliant things, for the benefit of our place.

I’m currently working on…

All things City Centre related. You’ll generally find me talking about all the good stuff that’s on its way.

My favourite inspirational quote…

‘Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.’
Ruth Bader-Ginsburg

My hidden Derby gem is…

The Derby Beach; a pocket-sized beach on the edge of Darley Park with weir views, looking across to Darley Abbey Mills. The perfect place to picnic, watch the local wildlife and skim some stones.

What I bring to the team…

A wealth of property experience and knowledge mainly from the Residential Lettings sector; a heap of connections and a persistent smile.

Lindsey Hatfield

Managing our Bondholder scheme, which involves visiting companies, helping people make connections across Derby’s business community and planning events.

Q&A with Lindsey

You’ll find me…

Managing the relationships with 350 Bondholders from world leading names such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and University of Derby through to offering support to the entrepreneurs just arriving into the city and SME’s who have chosen to stay in Derby.

I’m currently working on…

We have an abundance of knowledge and expertise in all different fields within our business community, and I am busy making introductions and finding out who the best person might be to answer queries or offer guidance.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“She believed she could, so she did!”

My hidden Derby gem is…

Darley Abbey Wines owned by Nichol and Andy in Darley Abbey Mills.

What I bring to the team…

The inside track on what is happening in Derby’s business scene – and the stuff that seems to only happen to me!

Robin Johnson

I was born in Derby and grew up in a village just outside the city. I went to university in London before returning to Derby to work as a reporter at the Derby Telegraph. I worked at the newspaper for 23 years, the majority of which was spent as business editor – a role in which I won several national and regional awards.

Q&A with Robin

You’ll find me…

Bringing you all the latest news about our brilliant Bondholders and shining a light on why Derby is a great place to do business and invest in.

I’m currently working on…

Our thrice weekly news eshots, which go out to all our Bondholders, my monthly Friday Morning Takeaway column, which gives my slant on the stories making the headlines, our monthly Invest in Derby eshot, which gives an insight into the deals being done – and special eshots about Marketing Derby’s activities and events.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

My hidden Derby gem is…

There are so many hidden gems among the Derby business community – fantastic companies doing incredible things, driven by inspiring individuals and teams. After 25 years of writing about businesses in the area, I’m still discovering new ones!

What I bring to the team…

A passion for my home city, a determination to serve our Bondholders as best I can with business news coverage – and a slight raising of the average age of the Marketing Derby team!

Andrew Lowe

I’m Derby born and bred and after studying and developing my career in the East Midlands, my home city always stood out as a family-friendly place – my family and I love it here!

Q&A with Andrew

You’ll find me…

Ensuring that our work promoting Derby to attract investment is represented positively in a wide variety of media – primarily through the design of printed collateral and film. You might also find me working to produce presentations for our various promotional online events

I’m currently working on…

Developing an exciting package of advertising opportunities for our highly-respected eShot to boost profile and support business growth – distributed three times a week. In addition, we have limited advertising space in our business magazine, Innovate, printed four-times a year. Please get in touch if you are interested in any of these opportunities.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

My hidden Derby gem is…

Derby’s incredible variety of running routes across the city, from beautiful riverside paths to picturesque parks.

What I bring to the team…

A sense of calm and a talent for witty photoshopped birthday cards for the team.

Sarah McAllister

Originally from Lincoln I moved to Derby over 20 years ago and am proud to call it my home. The warmth of the people and the beautiful villages of Derbyshire make it a really special place to live and work.

Q&A with Sarah

You’ll find me…

Supporting all the behind the scenes activities, along with welcoming you to our Bondholder and larger Marketing Derby events.

I’m currently working on…

The continually rolling programme of exciting larger events that we host like the Derby Property Summit and the London Embassy.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” – Martin Luther King

My hidden Derby gem is…

The picturesque launch spot opposite Darley Abbey Mills, on a sunny day you can paddleboard up the River Derwent, and if you’re lucky, spot the kingfishers darting in and out the trees.

What I bring to the team…

Paddleboarding stories galore, and a passion for all things river and canal related, apparently they call it the “Blue mind”.

Adam Rodgers

Born and raised in Derby. I studied leisure and tourism, after which I moved into the travel industry working in both leisure and corporate travel management, mainly in implementation/project management roles.

I have an affinity with Derby – I am extremely proud of where I am from and am passionate about the proactive strides forward this great city has made over the years. There really is no place like home.

Q&A with Adam

You’ll find me…

Promoting the investment opportunities and benefits of being located in our fantastic city both in person and digitally, as well as engaging people and businesses in Derby’s future, at our award-winning Derby City Lab.

I’m currently working on…

Creating and maintaining digital marketing content for our various digital assets as part of the delivery of our digital marketing strategy, as well as overseeing activity in the City Lab – where you will likely find me, speaking about the evolution of the city and Derby’s investment pipeline.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“Time is your most valuable asset” – Jim Rohn

My hidden Derby gem is…
The City Lab’s City Living Room, with a brew and book, or the latest edition of Innovate. My second gem.. Soaking up the atmosphere and sunshine in the Blacksmiths Yard – a quaint courtyard tucked off Sadler Gate, in the historic Cathedral Quarter.

What I bring to the team…
A plethora of positivity and a can-do attitude, with a wealth of pro-Derby passion.

Christopher Tebbs

I was born in Surrey and moved to Derby in 2017, via a 17 year stay in Ireland! I moved to the city to study Digital Marketing at the University of Derby after attending one of their compelling Open Days. Right from the off, I knew Derby was for me! From the city centre offer to the beautiful backdrop of the Peak District, I believe Derby is the complete package and that is why I’m proud to call it my home.

Q&A with Christopher

You’ll find me…

Promoting the fantastic investment opportunities available in Derby and spreading the word far and wide about Derby’s ‘Olympic’ year…2025!

I’m currently working on…

All things Industrial and Warehousing! As well as our annual Food & Drink Awards which I help organise.

My favourite inspirational quote…

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss

My hidden Derby gem is…

The many hidden and tucked-away restaurants & bars we have in Derby. As the organiser of the city’s Food & Drink Awards, I love discovering a new establishment and sampling that they have to offer!

What I bring to the team…

A passion for all things sports and a love of terrible dad jokes!