Pictured: (l-r) Andrew Hartley, University of Derby Managing Director for Strategic Developments, Lee Sanderson-Mann - University Head of Business Incubation - Martin Griffiths DE22 - John Forkin of Marketing Derby - Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby

An up-and-coming creative agency in Derby, which has been hailed as a shining example of the local University's business incubation support, is marking its first birthday by planning to double the size of its team.

DE22 has already had to take extra office space at Banks Mill Studios on Bridge Street, Derby to house its three-strong marketing and design team. And it is currently recruiting a fourth person, a website developer.

The company, founded by Martin Griffiths this time last year, has already identified a further two positions it intends to fill to keep pace with the growth.

Griffiths, who has previously worked on campaigns for brands including McDonalds, Mercedes Benz, Accor Hotels and Triumph Motorcycles, spoke about the growth of his new business to esteemed guests including the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Les Allen, and the MD of Marketing Derby, John Forkin, at the recent launch of the University of Derby's rebranded Evolve business incubation support.

He said speaking at the event made him realise just how far the company has come in a short space of time and that it was on the verge of doubling in size within the next few months.

"The growth of DE22 is testament to the support of the business incubation infrastructure of this city," said Martin.

"DE22 was born out of my passion to offer a different perspective on marketing which if solely focused on enabling brands to communicate through different touch points, clearly and effectively with their audiences.

"This has clearly struck a chord with companies both locally and further afield, and we have been invited to work on projects which would typically be handled by more established marketing companies ten times our size."

DE22 was amongst the first creative firms in the city to achieve the coveted Recommended Agency Registration (RAR) accreditation and it is currently working with clients including: Derby-based Fast React Systems Ltd, Collstream Ltd, Groundworks Derby, Concept Clarity and Nottingham Wildlife Trust.

Martin added: "We're very grateful for the support given by the University of Derby and it should be very proud that it is at the forefront of giving companies like ours the all-important help and facilities required to grow.

"Our approach to marketing is attracting a lot of attention and I'm confident we'll continue to grow and remain a shining example of the creative talent within Derby."