The past month has seen Derby play host to a series of launches and events, all underpinned by the same resounding message: The city is open for business. Dubbed ‘the UK’s transport capital’ by Mayor of the East Midlands Combined Authority Claire Ward at the official launch of Rail Campus Derby project, it’s a theme that seems to be carrying increasing momentum. This comes as the recruitment industry enters its busy period in the run-up to Christmas, and as a rail recruiter operating in the heart of the country, there is plenty to be optimistic about right now. Here’s a summary of what the team at Ford & Stanley have been up to and what else is in store . . .
A date at the Roundhouse, 17th October
Derby’s central role in the UK rail sector was made abundantly clear when the annual Dinner at The Roundhouse (DATR) took place on the 17th October. The lively atmosphere created by over 600 guests showed just how much confidence there is in the city’s goal to lead the way in the future of rail and the ongoing digital transformation.
We were absolutely delighted to be back in the company of such respected individuals, enjoying a fantastic evening filled with networking opportunities and inspiring keynote speeches from some of the most influential figures in the industry at Derby Arena.
Before the main event, Ford & Stanley hosted a 90-minute drinks reception at The Yard in Pride Park, welcoming more than 100 guests from the rail industry and beyond. This gathering provided a perfect chance for the team to connect with everyone and learn about the latest developments in the field.
The evening gathered steam as we made our way to the Arena for dinner, and as bronze sponsor, we had the honour of hosting guests at three tables. This year’s DATR event was led by Pete Waterman OBE, a well-known rail enthusiast but perhaps best known as a prominent figure in the music industry. He shared the stage with keynote speaker Andy Derbyshire, Group VP Operations at Wabtec Corporation, who is highly regarded in the UK railway sector. With a wealth of international experience, he was eager to share his insights during these uncertain times, engaging an audience of manufacturers and suppliers from all over the UK.
It was a brilliant evening, highlighting yet again why Derby, with its extensive railway history and cutting-edge engineering skills, is primed to lead us into this exciting new chapter of rail innovation and digital transformation.
One Million Better Workdays: A milestone achievement
We did it! On Friday 25th October we hit our One Million Better Workdays target, 2 years after it was set.
It was a fantastic accomplishment thanks to a lot of hard work and commitment from the team, and we all took some time out to get together offsite to mark the milestone and reflect on the achievement.
But what is One Million Better Workdays? It’s a unique initiative to Ford & Stanley and designed to create better workdays – not just for ourselves, but for our candidates and clients – and is practiced, measured and intertwined with everything we do. We aim to create better working days through teamwork, performance coaching and mentoring – vital ways to enhance mental wellbeing and to get the best from people in the workplace, for the good of the individual, business and environment. As part of that mission, we created the Better Workdays Conservation Trust to support the restoration of natural habitats with the creation of a three acre conservation site in Derbyshire dedicated to conservation and providing the opportunity for the team to develop their teamwork skills outside of work as well as mental fitness.
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