Investors want Derby - Forkin
More inward investors are considering Derby as a place to plough their cash after the city's profile was raised this year by the Bombardier factory saga, it is claimed.
Marketing Derby's managing director John Forkin said the city has entered the minds of investors after 1,400 job cuts were announced at the trainmaker's factory in Derby following the government's announcement not to award it the Thameslink contract.
Derby leaders have been appearing in a range of national media campaigning for government action to reverse its decision and stem the job losses.
Forkin said: "We have run a voracious campaign to keep train manufacturing in the city and in the UK and the issue has had massive coverage, from Paxman on Newsnight to Hugh Grant on Question Time. The experience has definitely galvanised Derby and the city's business and civic communities have found a united voice.
"Almost a week doesn't go by now without a ministerial visit or comment on Derby.
"What we hadn't predicted is the way in which that profile has led directly to private sector investors taking a look at what the city has to offer.
"Our inward investment enquires are up and we are working hard to close these deals."
