Derby’s inward investment chief to receive honorary doctorate

The boss of an organisation which has helped attract thousands of new jobs to Derby is be presented with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, will be named an Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby at a ceremony next week.

The award is being made in recognition of Mr Forkin’s work to get investors to “think Derby” for more than a decade and Marketing Derby’s efforts to generate investment and development in the city for more than a decade, contributing to the creation of more than 4,600 new local jobs.

Mr Forkin said: “To be honest, I was totally surprised but also equally delighted to be offered the award.

“So many people have contributed to the development of the city and the university and it’s a genuine honour to be considered.

Mr Forkin addresses the audience at Marketing Derby's annual business event at Derby Theatre (Derby Telegraph)

“Derby is a city of innovation in ideas and making and I’m keen to support our continued evolution as an attractive location in which to live, work or visit.”

Mr Forkin is one of six people from Derbyshire who will be honoured by the University of Derby at ceremonies this month.

Among them will be Chris Shrigley, one of the creators of the highly successful Tomb Raider computer games franchise and its digital heroine Lara Croft.

Derby-born Mr Shrigley set up Core Design, a games developer formerly based in Ashbourne Road, which came up with Tomb Raider.

The Lara Croft character has since gone on to achieve massive success across the world and has inspired three blockbuster Hollywood movies.

University of Derby vice-chancellor Professor Kath Mitchell (University of Derby)

The six will receive their honorary degrees in front of thousands of graduating students, their families and friends at ceremonies taking place at Derby Arena from July 17 to 19.

Professor Kath Mitchell, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the work of six people from our city and county who have excelled in their very diverse fields and had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives.

“They each exemplify the values of boldness and brilliance to which we encourage our students to aspire, in order to achieve success in their careers and lives.”