Marking 25 years of partnership with Toyota City

A visit by the Mayor of Toyota City is marking 25 years of partnership between Toyota City and Derbyshire.

The Mayor planted a commemorative tree at an event hosted by the National Forest Company and South Derbyshire District Council at St George’s Park on Sunday 5 February.

The planting is part of a new scheme funded by the National Forest Company, that includes mixed woodland and parkland, and will contribute to more than 100,000 trees being planted across the National Forest this year. 

John Everitt, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, said: “Planting a tree here in the National Forest symbolises the strength of the friendship between Toyota City and Derbyshire, representing our shared ambitions for a low carbon and sustainable future.”

Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council’s Leader, said: “The partnership between Derbyshire and Toyota City has led to unique opportunities for pupils, students, athletes, artists and businesses to take part in exchanges over the last 25 years.

“This event is the first of several planned to mark this friendship over the coming 12 months.”

South Derbyshire District Council and the National Forest Company are two partners in the Toyota City Partnership Board, which was established in 2018, facilitated by Derbyshire County Council, to develop the friendship with Toyota City by bringing together key economic and cultural stakeholders, alongside the Derbyshire local authorities.

The Board has overseen a rolling programme of activities, including:

• Student exchanges, with virtual exchanges during the pandemic;
• Developing links between further and higher education institutions;
• Sporting and cultural exchanges, including artistic and musical collaborations;
• Awareness raising activities at public events;
• Knowledge exchanges, from environmental programmes to business exporting; and,
• Planting of cherry trees in parks and school grounds;

Other members of the Board include Burton & South Derbyshire College, Derby College, Derby City Council, Derby County Football Club, Derbyshire County Council, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, University of Derby and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

9 February 2023