Save our rail industry, Derbyshire Live / Derby Telegraph

When it was announced that the 200-year old, Derby-based train manufacturer Alstom was to cease production in the city, the Derbyshire Live website and Derby Telegraph began working with other concerned organisations to save the company and the thousands of people it employs.

The resulting ‘Save our rail industry’ campaign was, according to judges, a welcome reminder of how local media brands can play a crucial role in bringing all elements of the community together.

The campaign team “worked fast and focused” to lobby MPs, local councillors and the public, with almost daily pieces about Alstom, including stories about affected workers. Agenda editor Zena Hawley was commended for working with the then Derby City Council leader and Alstom management to ensure the messages reached even higher levels. Support was also garnered from then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, who both visited the Alstom site.

When the final day of production came, the Derby Telegraph kept the coverage rolling, urging readers to email MPs and sign a petition. The publicity prompted an emergency debate in Parliament involving ministers and local MPs and eventually, the government announced a new £370m contract to Alstom.

Judges said the Telegraph’s “persistent and dogged campaigning” had a demonstrable impact on the lives of its audience.