Movers & Shakers in Derby: 4 fabulous changemakers who are working hard to put our city back on the map

Derby is a vibrant place, but what makes it so very different to 75 other cities in the UK is its incredible city champions.

Derby is lucky to have these people - they may not know that they form a support network - who care.

These people are working hard to make the city a great space to enjoy, visit, and live in.

The people on our shortlist may not think of themselves as pioneering pillars of the community but their work, often tireless, never half-hearted, is changing the city for the better.

Our eclectic shortlist covers leaders from diverse industries.

Read more: Love Derby

We have Jay Dean, a music producer whose passion for music and the arts has seen him seek out and platform local talent. 

Bev Wakefield is an ethical employer on a mission to help Derby’s leaders of the future through her Vibrant Community Programme that empowers local businesses to make positive contributions to the city.

Will Bailey is an events manager curating hundreds of must-visit events in Derby, Nottingham, wider East Midlands, and the UK. 

And last but not least is Jamie Quince-Starkey. His inspiring sustainability credentials have seen him build one of the city’s first communal gardens and collaborate with the globally acclaimed Eden Project.

Jay Dean - Derby music producer who platforms local talent

Jay Dean, 50, from Wirksworth, has dedicated his life to music, producing music by local artists and platforming talent that will entertain the people of Derby. 

He said: “My main motivation hasn’t changed in the 22 years of Dubrek. 

“I love music and art and if there’s something I like but it’s not happening in Derby then I’ll bring it here.

“I want everyone to share that experience. Also recording and producing bands doesn’t feel like work!”

His work spans a wide range of events, from spoken word, rock bands, house DJs, folk, jazz, electronica, conferences, workshops, and art gallery openings.

People are appreciative of Jay’s work. He said: “The feedback has always been positive because we have something for everyone.”

His current focus is to bring more touring bands to the city which means an even busier Derby events calendar that people can look forward to this summer.

Find out more about Jay's work and his music studio by clicking here.

Will Bailey - events manager eager to bring unique, wonderful events to Derby

Will Bailey, 37, from Sutton-In-Ashfield, is events manager extraordinaire.

He has curated diverse events across Derby and Nottingham, such as wrestling, character dining, children’s events, theatre, comedy and drag events.

The events professional started booking punk bands 19 years ago and 2023 saw him work with Joe Pasquale, Timmy Mallett, and Goldie Lookin’ Chain to create unique events.

Will said: “I'm working with Bustler Market to bring a huge record fair to run alongside their events and I'm working behind the scenes at drag bingo and live wrestling events.

“Every year my events have grown in size and I already have 25 events announced and on sale this year.

“This is the first time in my life that I have gone fully freelance and I'll be doing a vast range of things including event management, show repping, project management, and more.

“I love everything about events, I’ll be bringing lots of weird and wonderful events to Derby and I can't wait to see what the future holds!”

Find out more about Will and his events curation by clicking here.

Bev Wakefield - ethical employer bolstering Derby’s leaders of tomorrow

Beverley Wakefield, 37, from Derbyshire, owns Vibrant Accountancy whose mission is to empower business owners to achieve their goals and get control of their operations.

Over the past few years, she has helped new Derby entrepreneurs navigate the business arena.

This year her Vibrant Community Growth Programme (VCGP) will provide comprehensive support to a local business that is contributing positively to the Derby community. 

Bev said: “The idea of VCGP came as our way of sharing expertise and giving back to the community - we want to help others to achieve their goals and make a difference to our city.

“Derby has a wealth of community spirit and heart, we love helping and empowering people and that’s always been our aim with Vibrant Accountancy.”

Find out more about Bev and her accountancy business by clicking here.

Jamie Quince-Starkey - Derby's sustainability champion on a mission for interconnection

Jamie Quince-Starkey, 31, from Aston-on-Trent, is the brainchild behind the award-winning Down To Earth (DTE) initiative.

His mission is to bolster nature-based regeneration in the city which has led to a collaboration with Sir Tim Smit, founder of Eden Project, and the creation of the now acclaimed Electric Daisy communal garden. 

Jamie is keen to pull together communities to create unity amongst nature-loving changemakers in the city.

He said: “DTE is about making ‘connecting nature’ accessible for all, no matter who you are and where you come from. 

“Electric Daisy in its first phase is our first project in the city to deliver this which has been met with a great positive response. 

“We welcomed thousands of visitors and also won an award. 

“We are looking forward to building on what we’ve already achieved and making something spectacular for Derby.

“Most importantly, Electric Daisy is about giving Derby something different, creating a catalyst for not only regenerating nature but culture. 

“Derby has an incredible, diverse culture, history and heritage, what we’re lacking is interconnectedness - Electric Daisy serves as that connector, through nature.”

Find out more about Jamie and his work with DTE by clicking here.