Top former Toyota leader to share insight with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire firms at high growth forum

High growth businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are invited to join an expert forum in November with Professor Marvin Cooke OBE DL, former Executive Vice President for Manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe.

Part of a series named High Growth Academy – Growth Forum, the events are designed to bring together high growth businesses for valuable networking opportunities and insightful keynote speakers.

The first forum takes place on 6th November 2025 at the Enterprise Centre, Derby. It will include a talk from Professor Marvin Cooke OBE DL, former Executive Vice President for Manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe on ‘Big Business, Small Feel: Strategy, Systems and the Human Touch’. 

Prof Marvin Cooke’s knowledge spans some 40 years, from early days as an apprentice to reaching one of the most senior strategic leadership positions at Toyota Motor Europe. The insight Prof Marvin Cooke will share into how to marry efficiency with empathy is expected to be of interest to businesses seeking to scale in a way that is authentic and wins support from their teams. 

University of Derby Academic Manager for Professional Executive Education Matt Bromley said: “This forum is a fantastic opportunity to support high growth businesses across our region. Prof Marvin Cooke’s insight into blending operational excellence with a people-first mindset reflects the University of Derby’s mission to foster responsible leadership and inclusive, innovation-led growth. We’re proud to contribute to a programme that helps businesses scale with confidence and lasting impact.”

The growth forums are a key element of the new High Growth Academy that aims to equip scaling businesses with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to innovate and grow sustainably. The Academy – delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of EMCCA (the East Midlands Combined County Authority) and in partnership with the University of Derby, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University – is part of the wider High Growth Accelerator project that has received £450,352 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is open to businesses that can demonstrate 20% annual growth in revenue, employment or market share over the past three consecutive years.

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “I’m delighted that our first High Growth Academy – Growth Forum in November will be led by such a knowledgeable and engaging speaker. Hearing Prof Marvin Cooke’s insight and experiences with the opportunity to ask him challenging questions will, I’m sure, be really valuable for businesses seeking to grow whilst staying true to their culture and values. 

“Together with our workshops, innovation vouchers, student & graduate talent hire grants and training bursaries, the High Growth Academy project really is offering a wealth of support to help scaling businesses turn their ideas into real action.”