Meet the Derby City Lab team

As well as Marketing Derby staff and volunteer ‘Changemakers’, the Derby City Lab will be staffed by a group of newly recruited customer assistants.

Bryan Thompson, Lynda Tomkins and Brad Hanney will be at the lab to welcome visitors, explain Derby’s regeneration story and listen to people’s views on the city’s future.

They will all help staff the lab, which will be open seven days a week.

Bryan did his A-levels at Derby College Group’s Joseph Wright Centre and is now in his third year studying International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Derby.

He said: “Having spent my whole life in Derby, with my education since secondary level drawing me in to the city centre, I believe it is imperative that we engage people in Derby’s future, not only to ensure the generational transition of taking pride in this city, but also to inspire today’s youth with greater insight into what Derby has to offer.”

Lynda has 30 years’ experience of working in sales and customer service roles.

She said: “I moved to Derby to study architectural conservation in 2007, with a particular interest in heritage-led regeneration.

“So, I’m looking forward to speaking to everyone about their views on the various projects that are happening or being planned.”

Like Bryan, Brad Hanney, is also studying at the University of Derby, and is now in the third and final year of his Psychology degree.

During the past year, he has worked with university staff as a research intern and research student.

He has also completed an event management internship at Down to Earth Derby’s Electric Daisy venue, while volunteering with Thrivemind Village in Derby.

He said: “Initially, I saw working at the city lab as an attractive way to gain a deeper understanding of the developments happening in Derby.

“But I also realised it was a way in which I could help other citizens of Derby get more involved in their city’s development.

“With my experience in public-facing roles and inquisitive nature, I hope to bring an informative and friendly face to the city lab.

“I am most looking forward to engaging more with the public, having deep conversations and gaining a greater understanding of what Derby can offer its people.”