Derby County’s Executive Chairman and Owner, Mel Morris CBE, has been nominated as the City of Derby’s first ever Ambassador for Business and Innovation.
The move has received unanimous cross-party support from Derby City Council and would see Mel represent the city regionally, nationally and internationally to both government and business.
The role will be put to the Full Council and would see Mel provide ambassadorial duties on an honorary and non-political basis for the next three years, after which the Council would either appoint a new ambassador, or re-appoint the current incumbent for a further three years.
Born and raised in the city, Mel is thrilled to have been nominated for such an important role.
Speaking after receiving the nomination, he said: “I am honoured and delighted to be nominated for this post and look forward to helping further promote our great city in the tech arena.
“Derby is an exciting place to be. It is ideally suited to those looking to establish new start-ups as much as for those looking to expand.
“I have personally been involved with many highly successful businesses founded in the City, including Minitech, uDate, Prevx and BriefYourMarket.
“The location, availability of high calibrate personnel, the attractiveness of the City to staff relocating, the success and diversity of the University and College have all played a key part in that success.”
Paul Robinson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council said: “We are delighted that Mel has agreed to work with us to represent the City.
“Derby has a long and proud history of attracting and retaining high technology, manufacturing and innovative businesses.
“To maintain this reputation and to continue to attract new businesses and support its existing businesses the city must adapt to the changing environment of structures, political interfaces and funding opportunities in which we operate.”
