Throughout 2026 into 2027, the city of Derby celebrates the 50th anniversary of the twinning with Osnabrück in Germany. To mark the occasion, PKF Smith Cooper will celebrate alongside PKF WMS, the member firm situated in Osnabrück, and will host collaborative events across their offices.
On 17th February 1976, the twinning agreement between the two cities was signed in the Hall of Peace in Osnabrück. The origins of the twinning agreement links for British towns goes back to the end of the Second World War. The partnerships formed helped to foster an international understanding and friendship after the war, involving cultural exchanges, youth programs and business links.
PKF Smith Cooper and PKF WMS have been a part of the PKF Global network since 2021 and 2007 respectively. Both firms provide accounting and business advisory services and are leading practices in their regions. By working in the PKF network, the firms can adopt a local and independent identity whilst leveraging off the recognition and access to global resources that the global brand has to offer.
David Nelson, PKF International Liaison Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, commented: “The 50th anniversary of the Derby-Osnabrück twinning is a great reminder of the enduring value of international partnerships. For PKF Smith Cooper, celebrating this milestone alongside PKF WMS reflects the principles of collaboration, shared values and exchange knowledge across borders shared by the PKF network.”
International Liaison Partner at PKF WMS, Antje Ahlert, commented: “Marking 50 years of the Derby-Osnabrück twinning reminds us how lasting connections can grow into something truly impactful. Since 2007, our teams from PKF Smith Cooper in Derby and PKF WMS in Osnabrück have built a professional partnership that reflects the same spirit of openness and collaboration that defines the relationship between our two cities. This anniversary celebrates not only a municipal bond, but also the strong, forward-looking cooperation we continue to foster within the PKF network.”
