Council leader demands more Derby investment

Working together and collaboration was the big theme to come out of the Derby Property Summit held this week.

Held by Marketing Derby, the Summit, now in its sixth year, drew around 300 senior-level delegates attending from across the UK.

Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Board told delegates: “Cities like Derby can only benefit from collaborating with others to increase prosperity.”

Attendees also learnt about the progress of ongoing collaborative projects such as the Derby-Nottingham Metro Strategy and the Midlands Engine, as well as developing overseas links for Derby and the University of Derby’s internationalisation plans.

Professor Judith Lamie, pro vice-chancellor of external affairs for University of Derby, said: “Collaboration means we can achieve more, in terms of putting Derby, Derbyshire and the East Midlands on the map and build its profile on a global stage.”

Chief executive of City think-tank Centre for Cities, Andrew Carter, said: “Bring people to live and work in city centres is the best way to create high-performing places.”

Talking about the public and private partnerships within a city councillor Chris Pouter, leader of Derby City Council also said: “I am excited by the wide range of investments in the city. Derby must develop further, we are pro-business, pro-jobs and pro-Derby.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “We know our strengths and weaknesses, we also know our opportunities. We believe in collaboration and also believe that is the best way to be competitive.”

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