David, who since being appointed Principal at Derby Tertiary College: Wilmorton in July 1995, has led in the transformation of further education in the city and surrounding area.

Wilmorton merged with Mackworth and Broomfield Hall colleges in 2002 to form Derby College which is now one of the largest and most successful further education colleges in the UK.  It then merged with South East Derbyshire College in February 2010.

David’s vision for creating 21^st century learning facilities for students has led to the development of such iconic campuses as the Joseph Wright Centre A level and creative arts centre and The Roundhouse – the award-winning £48 million development of vocational facilities with the world’s largest restored roundhouse at its heart.

David (59), who lives in Ashbourne, said: “I am obviously delighted to accept the OBE on behalf of everyone at Derby College who has worked so hard over the years and continues to do so to make this an astounding centre of excellence for further education.

“Having brought four colleges together under the Derby College banner and ethos over the years, raised standards and invested heavily in developing state of the art facilities for our staff and students, this is a wonderful testament to the recognition and value that is put on our achievements.”

Derby College Chair of Governors Janet Morgan concluded: “David has taken a lead role within the education sector to bridge the gap between employers, education and training – listening to and engaging with local businesses in planning educational provision which has recognised and addressed the skills gaps that many of them had experienced.

“His commitment to high standards in education – whether by working in partnership with other organisations or investing in first class facilities – has led Derby College to be at the heart of the city’s successful regeneration and this is well-deserved recognition for him and the College as a whole.”

According to figures released by Derby City Council, footfall in the city centre, outside of the Westfield shopping centre, was up 25.6% last month compared to December 2010.

When Westfield opened in October 2007, other shopping areas in Derby saw a dramatic slump in visitors.

It has taken years for areas like the Cathedral Quarter to recover.

Simon Ingham, managing director of Bennetts department store, in Iron Gate, said: “We were certainly very busy during the Boxing Day sales.

“As a business we have worked hard to improve and make ourselves a destination store.”

Martin Langsdale, chairman of the Cathedral Quarter management group, which drives activities under the area’s Business Improvement District status, said the festive footfall figures were proof the area had reinvented itself.

He said: “The figures are excellent, particularly in Iron Gate, which has established itself as a fantastic and high-quality retail destination.

“The increased footfall throughout the area is testament to the hard work that the businesses have put in – both collectively with events such as the Santa’s Grotto and music in Blacksmiths Yard, and individually to promote this area as a destination of choice.

“The figures are proof that an area as individual and diverse as the Cathedral Quarter is increasingly popular with the general public who want high-quality goods and services.

“We have entered 2012 and are approaching our fourth anniversary as a business improvement district in high spirits.”

Around 300 Derby College students a year achieve Sports Leaders Awards and in recognition of its success in supporting learners, college Principal David Croll was presented the Academy status plaque by Sports Leaders UK Chief Executive, Linda Plowright.

Derby College Assistant Principal Sport and Leisure Peter Gordon explained: “The Sports Leaders Award is a valuable addition to students’ learning programmes.  Not only does it boost their Personal Statements for university and increase their job prospects but it also supports them personally with communication, problem solving and team working skills.”

Sports Leaders UK qualifications improve learner’s job prospects and, for the higher Sports Leader Award, earns them extra UCAS points for university entrance through a wide range of activities including voluntary work in local communities and in schools.

Linda Plowright explained that the Derby College had been selected to become a Sports Leaders UK Leadership Academy for going above and beyond the call of duty and providing a positive impact on the local community.

“Derby College is one of the organisations nationally who have taken the Sports Leaders UK ethos and made it the very foundation of what they do – developing a range of creative ideas which go beyond the learning from our leadership awards and qualifications. We want these centres to be held up as role models for best practice.”

Thirteen young people aged 16 to 24 have completed the four-week ‘Get into Construction’ programme which has included practical training sessions in plastering, painting and decorating, brickwork and joinery at Derby College and work experience at Balfour Beatty Construction sites in Derby.  They have also completed health and safety training to gain the CSCS card which allows them to work on site and will boost their job prospects for the future

Among the young people on the course was Arran Chaplin (21) from Ilkeston who has struggled to find a permanent job since leaving school.

“I have done some mechanics work in a garage and some demolition work but it has been a struggle to get a job so when I found out about this at the Job Centre, I was keen to get involved.

“I have  two young children and just want a job to be able to look after my family.  I must have applied for 50 different jobs over the last year but have got nothing.

“This programme has given me the chance to learn new skills and then hopefully make a good impression at a company.”

Ryan McKeown (19) from Sandiacre left College in Nottingham last year after studying joinery but has struggled to get a job.

“I see this as my chance to get work experience at one of the biggest construction companies in the UK and I hope that they will see me as a good candidate for any vacancies that come up in the future.  If not, it will be a good thing to have on my CV and it has also been good to come back to a different College to brush up on my skills.”

Derby College Faculty Head Dawn Kemp said: “This is the first time that Derby College has been involved in the programme led by the Prince’s Trust and it has been heartening to see young people really engage both at College and in the workplace in the hope of boosting their job prospects.

“We wish these young people the best of luck in the future and I am sure that the skills and confidence that this experience will give them a better chance of finding work in the construction industry.”

Tony Ellender, Training Manager for Balfour Beatty Construction said:“Balfour Beatty has run a number of these programmes across the North of England and Midlands but this is the first time it has been delivered in Derby.  Through our involvement with the BSF we hope to help local unemployed young people gain the skills and experience they need to land a role in today’s competitive jobs market.”

For further information about similar courses, contact the Prince’s Trust, Tel: 0115 8456497 www.princes-trust.org.uk

Ink & Thread in The Strand is run by Emily Baker who said: “’I have always had an interest in design and interiors and have thought about opening my own shop for a long time and it just felt like the right time to set up my own business.

“My passion is supporting British designers and producers – mainly smaller companies who focus on quality rather than quantity.

“As I started to source stock I quickly realised that I didn’t want to sell mass produced items made thousands of miles away and that lead me to one obvious solution, buy British from small suppliers.

“Just as people are increasingly wanting to know the provenance of what they are eating, we are returning to the days of being proud of buying British rather than something that has been churned out in a factory on the other side of the world and then shipped thousands of miles to our shop shelves.

“Once I started researching I discovered lots of fantastic designers and manufacturers who produce great quality items, they also employ staff from their local communities whether that’s in Stoke-On-Trent, Glasgow or Leeds which is another positive.

“The style of the ranges here are modern with bold  bold primary colours that celebrate British heritage and style.

“By opening in time for Christmas I hope people will find something a bit different for their family and friends, they can also have the added satisfaction of knowing that they are supporting British producers; which I think is very important particularly in the current climate.

“There are some great shops on The Strand and all the other businesses have been very welcoming and friendly, there is a real community spirit. It’s of course early days for my first retail venture but everybody has got to start somewhere and I am really pleased to have found a beautiful building on a great street.”

Martin Langsdale from commercial property agent Raybould & Son who have leased the property to Ink & Thread is also the chair of the Cathedral Quarter management group, which drives forward activities under the area’s Business Improvement District status.

He said: “Ink & Thread is the perfect addition to the retail offer in this wonderful part of the Cathedral Quarter.

“The shop is well positioned on this beautiful neo-classical crescent of shops and with a restored traditional shop front with two large display windows and a third inside the Strand Arcade, the building perfectly reinforces Ink & Thread’s brand of style and design heritage.”

Peter Helps was elected as a Director at the ABO’s annual general meeting in London and will now play a key role on the national body representing the collective interests of professional orchestras throughout the UK.

He joins an illustrious board drawn from leading organisations including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Welsh National Opera.

ABO Chief Executive Mark Pemberton said: “Peter’s wide ranging experience and particularly his understanding of the particular demands facing a regional orchestra will be crucial in shaping the ABO’s strategic direction and communications.

“We were hugely impressed by Peter’s personal dynamism and commitment and by the artistic quality and integrity of sinfonia ViVA when we held our annual conference in Derby in February 201. I am sure he will be an important asset to the ABO Board in the coming years.”

Peter Helps concluded: “We are the only regional orchestra represented at Board level at the ABO so it is an honour to be elected to represent the views of my peers and to help shape the future of orchestra’s contribution to the Arts, particularly in this challenging funding climate.”

DeltaRail, who has offices throughout the UK and Europe and whose headquarters are in Pride Park, Derby, is a leading specialist software and technology provider to the rail industry.  They offer solutions covering train operations, signalling control, advanced condition monitoring, vehicle dynamics, structures, and track engineering.

Having handled a graduate recruitment programme for the company two years ago, Syntax’s Engineering and Technical Recruitment division, were tasked with sourcing a further eight graduates for DeltaRail to work in a number of roles including signalling design, data design and software engineering.

The process started with more than 100 candidates, who were shortlisted to 30 and then put through a rigorous pre-screening and assessment programme by both Syntax and DeltaRail, which included group exercises, technical aptitude tests and interviews.

The eight graduates selected are now undergoing a formal training programme, before joining project teams, who handle the installation and upgrade of electronic signalling control systems for the rail industry.

Syntax has been one of DeltaRail’s preferred recruitment providers since 2006, initially working with the IT recruitment team.  Since then, Syntax has placed more than 60 permanent candidates and more than 20 contractors across the London and Derby offices.

Syntax Senior Consultant Beverley Reavill said: “The graduates sourced for this programme are largely Midlands based and have come with a number of different degrees under their belts, ranging from electronics to computer sciences”

“We were impressed with the calibre of the candidates although many of them had not initially considered a career in the rail industry”.

“By working through a number of different channels including directly with universities and by organising a graduate open day earlier this year in Derby, we were able to explain the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry for people with the right skills”.

“From the company’s point of view, graduate programmes such as these source the raw talent of young people who are keen to make their mark and progress in their careers and are mouldable to specific businesses.”

DeltaRail, Resource Manager, Michelle Shearer added: “The first graduate intake programme in 2009 was a great success, with eight out of the ten progressing well within the company and excelling on a number of key roles including signalling design, data design and software engineering.

“In addition, some of this first group will be mentoring the new intake of graduates,sharing their experience and knowledge as they participate in key projects within the company.

We hope that the latest graduate programme will be equally successful and look forward to working with this group of talented individuals as they progress through their training and development with the company.”

For more information about DeltaRail see www.deltarail.com

East Midland Computers (EMC) have been at the forefront of developing and providing computer systems and networks, bespoke software and IT maintenance to some of the top local businesses and are now looking ahead to the next 30 years and all opportunities that increasing advances in technology will bring.

EMC’s roots go back to 1981 when Managing Director Steve Abbey (61) left his then employers, Italian computer manufacturer Olivetti, to set up his own business.

EMC started life in a small office in Gower Street, Derby which it quickly outgrew and in 1985 they bought and moved into the state-of-the-art former Olivetti regional offices in West Meadows Industrial Estate.

Steve explained: “We started by selling Olivetti computers and business systems at a time when there wasn’t much around in the way of technology as we know it today.

“Just as we were pioneers in the IT industry, many of our customers were as well – recognising that computers were the way forward. 

“Many of our clients who purchased the first generation PCs from us in the early Eighties are still with us today but have obviously progressed from the desk top computer which had a couple of floppy disk drives and a Maxrix printer!”

In the nineties, EMC developed multi-user systems and multi-branch systems with connectivity – running numerous PCs from one server.

“We have also provided, over the years, a range of specialise systems to a diversity of customers. These include financials, payroll, stock systems and many other bespoke applications and EMCOM is still a recognised and valued brand amongst finance departments.

“We also set up a technical service department to further improve the level of service for customers – effectively becoming a one stop shop for businesses who were venturing into the unknown world of computers.  To my knowledge at that time, nobody else offered the range of services that we did, so I suppose you could say that we were the pioneers of the IT services industry, certainly in the East Midlands.”

The turn of the century saw EMC specialising in Windows systems and extending its customer base throughout the UK, particularly servicing the specialist hardware, software and infrastructure requirements of companies as diverse as co-operative societies, funeral directors, children’s nurseries and Fire and Rescue services. 

Recent years and the rapid pace of new technology has prompted EMC to develop its Cloud Computing capabilities as well as establishing a data centre at the Derby office to remotely host business systems for customers and offer on-site backup and Disaster Recovery facilities.

The 30^th anniversary has brought back some fond memories for its founder Steve, whose career in IT started when he was 19 years old having completed three years of his five year apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce

“I am originally from Bishop Aukland where the prospects of employment in the 60’s were fairly limited. Most of my mates went down the pit but I wanted to be an engineer so my parents encouraged me to apply to Rolls-Royce in Derby who, after two interviews, told me the job was mine if I achieved a pass in seven GCE O Level subjects.

“I knuckled down and passed enough exams to start at Rolls-Royce, therefore leaving the North East and making my home in Derby.  After three years I decided that engineering was not my forte and I wanted to get out and about and meet customers rather than be factory based. It was then that I applied to Olivetti and got a job selling their famous typewriters and adding machines.

“I worked for them for 11 years and helped to make Derby their top selling branch in the UK so when I decided I wanted to set up my own business, the Olivetti management asked me to become their first UK dealer.

“As the UK’s first Olivetti dealer, this opened up a whole series of opportunities and as well as selling the computers, we were able to set up a software house, a computer maintenance department and supplies business.”

So what does the future hold for EMC?

Steve continued: “We have been around since the beginning of computers and remain at the forefront.

“As companies have wanted to progress and grow, we have progressed with them and serviced their IT needs with the provision of hardware, software and maintenance services.

“Our hardware platforms are in diverse locations such as coal mines in Kazakhstan and Iran, Fire and Rescue training rooms for heat control systems, as well as providing server based platforms for companies across the UK.  We have a Funeral Director in Penzance using our EMCOM Funeral Arrangement System and an engineering firm in Aberdeen associated with Oil Production who use our EMCOM Financials and Payroll Packages”.

“Although none of us have a crystal ball, the opportunities are endless with more internet-based communications and virtualisation of servers and we are determined to continue to be a major force to be reckoned with both locally and nationally – developing more niche specialist systems”.

“Computer technology changes on a month by month basis and at EMC we have ensured that we have kept up with those changes over the past three decades. Furthermore we are committed to continuing to do so in the future”.

“There is however, no substitute for the notion that some may feel is old fashioned, but has always served me well – that you work hard, look after the customers and provide them with a good product and service.

“The success of EMC is testimony not only to our hard work and high levels of customer service but also to the buoyancy and diversity of businesses in Derby.

“We have always been proud of our roots in Derby and that we have helped businesses come to the fore in their own fields.”

Virtual Office, part of the entrepreneur’s expanding business portfolio, provides businesses with an office address at some of the most prestigious addresses both in the UK and abroad.

Options range from Oberoi Consulting’s own building in Pride Park to the Gherkin office building in London and then, internationally, the Louis Vuitton building in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York and the Emirates Tower in Dubai.

Virtual Office offers businesses a telephone answering service, mailing address and an actual desk at the location if required.  Meeting facilities are also available with the option to have a virtual assistant – supporting the business with cost effective and flexible administrative support.

Kavita explained: “When I set up in business ten years ago, I was based in my bedroom at home until I had the money to be able to buy office accommodation.

“In those early days, I never felt I would be in a position to afford a prestigious business address.  Now I want to give the opportunity to others to secure an ‘address’ and associated services even sooner to help their businesses grow.

“In today’s challenging world, we recognise that for a business to prosper – especially during its formative years or when an established business is looking to expand into new markets  – it has to keep tight control over its running costs and expenses.

“Keeping overheads, such as rent and rates, of permanent business premises to an absolute minimum is a key consideration. The same can be said of more established businesses, especially when looking to deliver the right impression when expanding into new international markets to attract business.

“In fact, at Oberoi Consulting, we are about to do the same – expanding our presence in the UK and abroad with prestigious addresses that can also provide meeting rooms and options office facilities.

 “This is where Virtual Office can help by providing high quality, inexpensive, modern resources and services, and through a no-fee service to source a business address at the number one location of your choosing, appropriate for your business. We provide highly prestigious locations for meetings, postal addresses or temporary accommodation – regionally, nationally or internationally.

“The difference we are making to new and expanding businesses is a free service to research and source the right address for our customers – taking away the hassle of them negotiating with landlords and ensuring that they have the right package in place to suit their business requirements.

“We grow with our clients – tailoring a Virtual Office package, large or small, to suit individual needs which will create an excellent impression to their current and future clients, and, when required, offering a more permanent base by providing a serviced office at the location.

“We also ensure that those all-important telephone calls and business opportunities are not missed via our Virtual Personal Assistant. We can deliver this service without the restrictive cost of employing a permanent member of staff or long-term commitment to lease or buy office premises.”

Kavita, who featured on television’s ‘Secret Millionaire’ programme, continues to support the Global Girls Fund which she became involved in after the programme, chairing the fundraising of £10 million efforts to empower all girls and young women across the globe to reach their full potential. As with her other businesses, a percentage of the profits from Virtual Office will go to the organisation.

She concluded: “It is more important than ever in tough economic times like this that we support entrepreneurial businesses to grow and create employment.

“Virtual Office and Virtual Assistant gives such companies a cost effective lever at a crucial time in their business when they need the support in place and to make the right impression on their customers to achieve growth.”

For more information about Virtual office and Virtual PA, please visit www.numberonelocation.com

The new shop in Sadler Gate, which has undergone a major refurbishment,  stocks a wide range of Silvarious’ unique designer collections – many of which are the owner Eileen O’Donnell’s own creation.  There is also a range of leather gifts and, in the near future, the shop will feature the new Ruby & Walker designer pet accessories, inspired by Eileen’s beloved Bedlington Terrier, Ruby.

Eileen, who opened her first shop in Bakewell 11 years ago, explained that the Cathedral Quarter shop was the latest in her long-term expansion programme.

“I originally looked at Sadler Gate just before the Westfield Centre opened and decided it wasn’t the place for me.  It was unloved and looking quite shabby so I opted for Ashbourne instead.

“I had been planning my next shop in Nottingham when a customer in Bakewell suggested that I should look at the Cathedral Quarter and Sadler Gate in particular.

“I originally dismissed the idea but then decided to visit on a whim and couldn’t believe the transformation in the area.  I immediately contacted some agents and was delighted when I found this shop.

“Although I have four shops in total, we are still very much an independent retailer with high standards and attention to detail on customer service, our product and packaging at the top of the agenda.

“The Cathedral Quarter is therefore just the right place for us and, from experience with my other shops, I am confident that we are going to do well here.  I am particularly impressed with the sense of community and the fact that the businesses work together through the Business Improvement District so I am looking forward to working closely with other retailers to do reciprocal projects and promotions together.

“I have tended to open a new shop every three years to ensure that they become established and our values of quality and service are fully embedded with all the staff before looking at the next expansion so this is very much a long term plan.

“We have recently taken on a further two members of staff and plan to recruit further in the near future to expand the workforce of ten.”

For more information, visit www.silvarious.com

ends

Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945 665; sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk