TREИDNG PROFILES : David Turner – The Derby Champion Preserving a City’s Soul

There are people who talk about loving their city, and then there are people who live that love through the work they do every single day. David Turner falls firmly into the latter. As the founder of Derby Uncovered CIC, he has carved out a reputation as one of Derby’s most dedicated cultural custodians, quietly shaping how the city understands its own roots, celebrates its unsung stories and pushes itself towards a brighter, more confident future.

David is Derby through and through. “I’m currently based in Derby and Derby and Derbyshire are the prime inspiration for my career and work,” he explains. That connection is personal, emotional and deeply embedded. It is also the foundation upon which he built Derby Uncovered CIC, a not-for-profit company created to champion the best of the region’s history, heritage, creatives, artists, and food and drink. For David, the motivation was simple. “I’ve always been proud of where I’m from and wanted to use the skills I’d learned throughout my career in a way that helped promote it,” he says.

That passion took physical form with one of his standout achievements: opening the Derby Uncovered Heritage Centre on Sadler Gate. Nestled on one of Derby’s most historic streets, the centre represents more than a venue. It is the embodiment of a lifelong ambition to give the city’s stories a permanent home. “To see our aspirations come to life with a physical presence on one of Derby’s most historic streets was amazing,” David reflects. Anyone who walks through its doors immediately sees the care, curiosity and civic pride that defines everything he does.

Yet the road has not always been smooth. David admits that self-confidence has been one of his greatest hurdles. “Overall I’d say it’s been a lack of self-confidence when on occasions I should have shown more,” he says. Today he sees new challenges emerging, particularly within the retail landscape. He is frank about the difficulties Derby faces, especially when “we have a self-serving shopping centre that acts solely for the benefit of its shareholders to the detriment of the rest of the city centre.” But there is no hint of defeat in his voice, only determination. His work continues to push Derby’s heritage and local identity forward, regardless of the headwinds.

Faith plays an important role in how David approaches both business and life. “I’m a religious person so therefore try to live my life, and my business life, in a way that’s compatible with my spiritual beliefs,” he notes. It is a guiding principle that colours the thoughtfulness, integrity and community-first philosophy behind Derby Uncovered. Ask him how his style has changed over the years and he gives a modest answer. “I’d like to think I’ve got more organised but who knows!” That humility is part of his charm and part of what makes Derby Uncovered feel grounded, accessible and authentic.

Looking ahead, David and his team are far from finished. “We’ve got some projects lined up that we hope will spread the wonderful history of Derby and Derbyshire much further afield and attract new tourists and visitors to the town,” he says. This outward-looking ambition reflects a broader vision: Derby’s heritage is not just for Derby people. It is a story worth sharing with the world, and David intends to make sure it is heard.

At the heart of it all is a desire for others to feel the love he has for this place. “I hope that in an enjoyable fashion they’ll learn just what a wonderful city and county Derby and Derbyshire are. Ignore the haters – we’ve got some incredible things here.” It is a message he brings to life across every touchpoint, from the Derby Uncovered Heritage Centre to guided History Walks, the Derbyshire’s Own stall in the Market Hall, and a growing online presence.

For those following their own creative or community-driven path, David keeps his advice refreshingly simple. “Go for it. The world is full of people who will try to tell you that things are more complicated than they are – ignore them and follow your dreams.” It is the same spirit that pushed him to take an idea rooted in civic pride and turn it into a cultural force breathed into life by passion, persistence and a profound belief in Derby’s greatness.

In David Turner, Derby has more than a historian or curator. It has a champion. A believer. A storyteller. A community voice determined to make sure the city he loves is not only remembered for its past but celebrated for its future.

If you are interested in learning more about Derby then follow this link for Davids walks from Derby Uncovered!

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