Derby has unveiled its bid to be a host city if England wins the right to stage the Football World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Today, Caroline Jones speaks to one of the city's oldest companies, Smith of Derby, about why it is backing the campaign.

WORK may take them to the Caribbean, the Middle East and America, but the people behind Smith of Derby always remember the company's roots.

First established as John Smith and Sons clock works in 1856, the business has expanded, now making timepieces and architectural features worldwide.

The renowned manufacturer still proudly acknowledges its Derby heritage – and still works from its base in Alfreton Road.

Its work can be seen all over the city, from the traditional clocks of Derby Cathedral to the one at the entrance of the new Royal Derby Hospital, and the faces in the modern Cathedral Quarter Hotel.

Smith of Derby said its instruments are part of the city's history – which is why workers would love to make commemorative items for the football World Cup, should games be staged here.

The manufacturer is backing the city's bid to host matches during the four-week tournament in 2018 or 2022.

Sales director Jim Foster said Derby was in the perfect position to stage the competition.

He said: "Derby is an ideal place for Smith of Derby to be based because it is well connected.

"This is particularly in the case of transport, in terms of roads, rail and air travel, with East Midlands and Birmingham airports both being in easy reach of the city.

"This basic infrastructure is key to a business like ours – and, because the city is located at the heart of the country, we are perfectly placed to host the World Cup.

"As well as an excellent city road and rail network, Derby also has a first-class stadium in Pride Park and excellent hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

"There are plenty of things for visitors to the World Cup, if they were to come to Derby, to enjoy."

Derby is one of 16 cities competing for the right to stage World Cup matches.

But the Football Association, which is compiling England's bid to host the tournament, is only looking for 12.

The decision on which will be included in England's campaign will be made in December, before the FA presents its case to football's world governing body, FIFA.

An announcement on whether England will host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup will be made in December 2010.

Mr Foster said that, if Derby was to be awarded the right to stage the World Cup, the city would benefit in many ways.

He said: "It would most definitely be good for the city, its people and its businesses.

"It would show the world what a thriving and vibrant city Derby is.

"Hosting an event like this would also provide Derby with a lasting legacy.

"The inward investment and general, positive wellbeing of the city would be felt by everybody across Derby for a long time."

Derby introduced its World Cup bid to the city in July, as it showed delegates from the FA around the area.

The city's bid team is made up of representatives from Derby County, the city and county councils, Marketing Derby and the University of Derby, among others.

As part of their case, they have also submitted a preliminary tournament bid to the FA, in the form of a 230-page document.

The FA will again visit the city on September 4 but, in the meantime, Derby's bid team is urging everyone to back the campaign.

Mr Foster said Derby's links to the rest of the world, through business and industry, would stand them in good stead for the World Cup.

He said: "Smith of Derby may only be a small family business, but we compete on a global field and are proud of being Derby-based.

"We would be tremendously proud to produce a timepiece to mark the World Cup if it came to Derby."

Click here to give your support to the World Cup bid