Derby: The Pioneering City
Derby: The Pioneering City
We are a City powered by our people – our pioneers.
A diverse community of visionaries, creators, innovators, and makers, we don’t just dream about what’s possible - we bring it to life, together.
Here in Derby, we’re unafraid to fail. Courageous and open-minded, we embrace new ways of thinking, living, and working. Life here is an open door: this City sparks your curiosity, fuels your creativity, and invites you to get involved.
Change isn’t coming - it’s already happening beneath our feet. This is a place where optimism drives action, and collaboration turns ideas into reality.
We are always in motion. We are always pioneering.
Visionaries
Visionaries imagine the future differently. They are not afraid to dream big and create change
Erasmus Darwin - One of the greatest polymaths of the 18th century.
Libby Lane – The first woman to be appointed a bishop by the Church of England
Derby Cathedral – Founded in 1943 and is at the heart of modern city of making
Florence Nightingale – The “Lady with the Lamp” who organised the nursing of sick and wounded soldiers
George Mighty – Honoured locally and nationally for his services to the West Indian communities
Creators
Creators are a powerhouse of ideas, driven by curiosity
Jen Sumner – Founder & artistic director of Hubbub Theatre Company celebrating diverse human creativity, equity and kindness
Karam Singh – World class breakdancer and 2019 B-Boy Championships World Finals solo champion
Quad – Art Galery, Cinmea and Event Space. With a range of unique and inspiring spaces
Guildhall Theatre - Grade II listed building. A small and intimate venue hosting entertaining events.
Preet Chandi - Holder of 4 Guinness World Records for polar ski expeditions.
Joseph Wright - Acclaimed as one of Britain's most interesting and innovative painters.
Innovators
Innovators are discoverers, explorers, thinkers and futurists. They find a way to make the impossible possible.
Paul Sixsmith – Rolls Royce Chief Engineer for the Trent 7000 – shaping the future of aerospace engines
Charles Rolls & Henry Royce – Fuelled by engineering passion and a vision to build the world’s best car
Derby Arena – Versatile event space with a velodrome track and a high-spec gym and indoor sports spaces
Helen Simpson – Recognised for her work on hydrogen rail vehicle innovation
Makers
Makers are the artisans and engineers that put ideas into our hands
Dean Jackson MBE – Founder of HUUB, world leading innovative triathlon brand
John Whitehurst – Clockmaker and scientist, who made significant contributions to geology
The Museum of Making – Widely considered the location of the world’s first modern factory
Walter William Winter – Creator of the worlds first purpose built photography studio
