Why Burton is my kind of town

Burton is a town to be proud of, a champion of businesses and has people at its heart,?writes Jenny Moody. For 15 years I have been a reporter covering Burton, a town full of life with a varied and interesting history.

This is something I am proud to have been part of and has definitely kept me busy over the years.?

Now I look forward to representing the town in a very different way and shouting from the rooftops about all of the incredible businesses, generous charities and fascinating people who all offer something unique and special.

I am excited to be able to tell their stories and share what they have to offer their communities or their incredible achievements as Burton will always be the place that I call home.

I grew up in one of the nearby villages and spent many of my younger years in the town centre either shopping, going to the cinema or even attempting (and failing) to bowl at the now-closed bowling alley.

So, when I got to start writing about the town as a reporter it was exciting to be able to look at it from a different viewpoint, talk about it through the experiences of other people. I got to learn more about its history and how is has changed over the years. I learned more about the people behind the businesses I had always known and visited – there really is no job like it.

In fact, I started my journalism career by writing a story about Burton and submitting it to the then-editor. I got invited in for an interview and the rest is history.

Now it only seems fitting that I start my career in public relations the same way, talking about what makes Burton the great town it is. The answer is simple – the people.?

I had the honour of meeting many of its dedicated and kind-hearted people through my time working in Burton, covering everything that was happening – whether it was good or bad. They were always on hand with a good brew and made the time to talk.

It is not very often that I will take a trip into town and not see someone that I know, stopping for the obligatory catch up. They will always give you the time of day and offer a smile – something you miss in big cities.?

They are mostly friendly and welcoming, ready to support a good cause where they can.

So what makes Burton stand out from other towns? Well firstly you cannot mention Burton without talking about beer – something Burtonians are very proud of and rightly so. Generations of families have played a part in its production over the years and it is still very much a big part of the town today.

Molson Coors and Marstons are still major employers in the town, as well as the smaller breweries with their own thirst-quenching pints. Many of the pubs have a long history of their own and have real ale on tap, with advice on hand for the novice drinkers to find the perfect brew for their taste.?

Marmite is also immediately associated with Burton – and most days the smell will hit you before the factory. Love it or hate it – it provides a lot of jobs in the town. Interesting fact just to add here, Marmite was previously named the most commonly seized branded food item at UK airports – people love it that much that the thought of not having it on holiday is more than they can bear.

It is crazy to think that so many major companies have decided to make little old Burton their base. There is no argument that it is punching above its weight and I am proud to say where I am from. Boots and Holland and Barrett warehouses are just a few of the other big names to shout about.?

Let’s not forget St George’s Park is just down the road as well. Fans lining the streets when the Three Lions footballers leave is quite a sight.

Employment and industry are a huge part of the town as being in the Midlands makes it perfectly placed.?

It is not just about factories and beer, Pirelli Stadium, home to the one and only Burton Albion, welcomes football fans and visitors alike from far and wide as well as hosting other events and they know how to put on a party.

Those looking to go out for a nice meal or even just a quick bite to eat are spoilt for choice with plenty of top restaurants and pubs serving some mouthwatering meals – the cocktails also are worth checking out for those not driving of course.

Independent and small businesses are also a major part of the town, it is not just about the big names.?

The roads might need a little work, there is no disputing that, but Burton is home and somewhere I always come back to. It is somewhere I always shout about.