Education and industry in partnership: Lord Frost visits Alfreton
David Frost, Lord Frost of Allenton, former Cabinet Minister, ambassador, and international relations negotiator, visited Alfreton’s David Nieper Ltd and David Nieper Academy to see how education and industry can work together.
Appointed to the House of Lords by Boris Johnson in 2020, Lord Frost shared his diplomatic career insights with students after a brief tour of fashion manufacturer David Nieper Ltd.
He visited the David Nieper Academy on Friday 8 November where he spoke to students at the school’s lower sixth form, to help inspire them for careers in international relations and public service, giving them his perspective on its challenges.
Before the tour of the school, Lord Frost spent time at David Nieper Ltd, learning more about the premium fashion company and the approach to British craftsmanship and sustainable fashion.
David Nieper Ltd, known for its commitment to UK-based production, has become a key player in promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
The focus of the visit was also on how the company are supporting and investing in local education and training, with the firm leading the way with an Ofsted approved apprenticeship programme.
Christopher Nieper, OBE, Chief Executive of David Nieper Ltd. said: “We were delighted to welcome Lord Frost to Alfreton and were impressed by his interest in education and British manufacturing.
“In today’s global economy, support from Westminster for Derbyshire businesses is vital. Our family company go out of our way to make a positive impact on British fashion and our local community.”
Mr Nieper added: “In addition, it was a great opportunity to demonstrate how the partnership between local business and schools can be so powerful in supporting Alfreton people into good quality careers.
“By equipping young people with essential employability skills, we boost the Alfreton economy, support community regeneration and ensure a brighter future.
He added: “It not only benefits our young people, but it also has a lasting, positive impact on the local community.”
Lord Frost said: “It was a huge pleasure to be back in Derbyshire where I was born and brought up, and to see both the factory and the Academy. As always, I get the most difficult questions at schools!
David Nieper Ltd shows what can be done to keep competitive, profitable industry in every area of our country, and how to support education and skills training so that everyone can be part of that. It was particularly encouraging to hear how David Nieper was continuing to export across Europe as well as serve the UK market. I hope to be back again soon.”
David Nieper Ltd, a family-owned fashion manufacturing business based in Alfreton (www.davidnieper.co.uk), established the Christopher Nieper Education Trust (www.christopherniepereducation.org) to support local education and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
The Trust oversees David Nieper Academy (https://davidnieper.academy/), a secondary school dedicated to providing students with high-quality education, practical skills, and real-world career opportunities.
Through this unique collaboration, the Trust and Academy work closely with David Nieper Ltd and other local businesses to ensure students are equipped for future employment and contribute to the area’s economic growth.
