About Peter Gadsby
Peter Gadsby is one of Derby's best known business leaders with a hugely successful track record in food, fashion, information technology and property.
Peter has created and sold many businesses over the last 20 years and, having established himself as one of the region's most successful entrepreneurs, he was recently recognised in the Sunday Times 'Rich List'.
Born in Ashbourne, he was set to become a professional footballer when, at 17, serious injury put an end to his career. It was a major setback but Peter focused on a change of direction which would ultimately lead to the creation of one of the East Midland's most successful property development companies with a turnover of £80 million.
He resumed his education, attending Kedleston College - the forerunner of what is now Derby University - to take an HND in business studies and then moving to Hull University. Through contacts made during his course, he was invited to join the marketing department of a national food company where he quickly made his mark, becoming Marketing Director.
Determined to strike off on his own, he turned his attention full time to developing his own business interests in property. Rapid expansion and company acquisitions followed which ultimately enabled Peter to create a number of businesses - including Cedar House Investments, Miller Birch and Radleigh Homes - within the Ark Capital Group of which he is Chairman and major shareholder.
He recently launched a personal £10million venture capital fund, helping local companies to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.
He joined the Board of Derby County Football Club in 1991, soon becoming Vice Chairman, and he spearheaded the club's successful move to Pride Park. In 2005 Peter returned to Derby as Chairman of a local consortium, helping to rescue the club from the brink of administration. Having stabilised the financial situation, he stepped down to once again to concentrate on his business interests.
Always keen to 'put something back', he has raised over £100,000 for charities and has only recently returned from cycling over 500 miles across the Sinai Desert for the British Heart Foundation's 'Little Tickers' campaign. Peter is also honoured to be one of the few people who have both scored a goal and 'turned up' the ball in the unique Royal Ashbourne Shrovetide Game.
Married to Fiona and with one daughter, Danielle, he now lives in Quarndon.
