Toyota signs up to ‘Made in Derbyshire’ to celebrate what's great about our county

Global car giant Toyota is the latest member to sign up to the ‘Made in Derbyshire’ campaign celebrating everything that’s great about the county.

Derbyshire County Council is a lead partner in the campaign working with other local councils, cultural groups and tourism organisations to promote and boost the local economy through its products, culture, festivals and sporting events.

Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up alongside music, arts groups and tourist destinations – and Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd is the latest recruit.

The Japanese company established a new plant in Burnaston near Derby in 1989 and now employs 3,000 people making more than 170,000 cars each year including its Auris and Avensis models.

Derbyshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Ellie Wilcox said: “We’re delighted that one of the biggest names in car manufacturing is proud to celebrate the fact it has a major base in the county by signing up to our ‘Made in Derbyshire’ campaign.

“Made in Derbyshire brings together new and existing products and events under one brand to highlight what’s unique about our county to a wider national audience and having Toyota on board is a huge boost.”

Any individual or organisation that makes products, organises events or provides a service that is created or based in the county can register as a ‘Made in Derbyshire’ member.

Nick Freeman, Assistant General Managher of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, said: “We are proud that our vehicles are built in Britain and made in Derbyshire and are delighted to support the Made in Derbyshire campaign.”

Made in Derbyshire events are running throughout the year to highlight the county’s unique people, places and products – and also leave a lasting legacy by putting Derbyshire’s local stamp on the national stage.

Any organisation based in Derbyshire can register its details on the website to get:

• Inclusion in a high-profile publicity campaign
• A free listing on the Made in Derbyshire website
• Free use of the Made in Derbyshire branding as part of its marketing materials
• Social media marketing support through the Made in Derbyshire Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest pages

The key aims for the first year are to:

• Celebrate life in Derbyshire – the county, its people and everything ‘Made in Derbyshire’
• Reinforce Derbyshire as an exciting cultural destination for visitors from all over the UK and abroad
• Promote Derbyshire products and attractions and boost the local economy
• Nurture new talent and celebrate Derbyshire people

Made in Derbyshire successes throughout 2015 will be developed to ensure the campaign has a lasting impact on the local economy.

For more information and to sign up visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/madeinderbyshire