Growing Innovation and Business

Accelerating small-business growth, breaking down barriers and creating unrivalled opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive. Here at the University of Derby, we are closing the gap between research and impact to make a real difference.

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Partnering for Impact

We are right at the heart of the issues and challenges that matter - to our city, our region, to business, industry and our communities and society in general. Investing in our future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to drive innovation and create a collaborative environment where research has real impact and graduate talent can flourish.

Connect with our Business Engagement Team

To find out more about how we can work with you, contact our business engagement team today.

0800 001 5500 Enquiry form

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Our services

If you already know what service you want, choose from one of the following options.

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Funding

Find funding for your projects or see if you're eligible for our fully funded business support and training.

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Research and innovation

Access expertise and funding to help accelerate your company's R&D.

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Training and development

Invest in your people with our apprenticeships, short courses, funded training and bespoke programmes.

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Talent and recruitment

Work with our talented students and graduates through internships, placements, projects and mentoring.

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Facilities to hire

Hire our facilities - from co-working spaces and start-up units to conference rooms and specialist labs.

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Business events

Advance your knowledge and grow your network: these are our upcoming events for business people, most of which are free to attend. They include conferences and networking events, business advice works...

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Enterprise Support

Learn more about what enterprise support is available for your business

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Bespoke programme benefits Holcim

The Global RMX (Ready Mix) Concrete Management Programme has engaged with Holcim at every level to ensure that the needs of the organisation align with the participants' learning experience, creating a programme that has real world application.

Find out moreFind out more

What stage is your business at?

Starting-up

If you have an idea for a new business or are in the early stages of establishing yourself, see how we can help.

Scaling-up

If you're ready to grow your business, see what support and funding we can offer.

Established, larger or corporates

Even if your business is well-established, there are plenty of ways we can add value.
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Apprentices

Get paid to train for a qualification with our apprenticeship programmes, dividing your time between on-the-job training and academic study.

Discover our apprenticeshipsDiscover our apprenticeships

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Employers

Explore the benefits of workplace apprenticeships which combine practical experience with academic learning tailored to your business.

Explore our workplace apprenticeshipsExplore our workplace apprenticeships

Regional Impact

We are supporting growth and prosperity across our region by working with our industry and academic partners to champion employee wellbeing, nurture new enterprise and provide industry-specific expertise. This is establishing our region's profile and reputation as a centre for business and innovation both nationally and internationally.

We have supported businesses at the beginning of their journey, such as Goldbox, as well as established businesses, including Sure Screen and E.ON.

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Annual Impact Report

Over the past year, the University of Derby has celebrated excellent achievements. Read our Annual Impact Report to explore the highlights of our 2022/23 academic year.

Read the Annual Impact ReportRead the Annual Impact Report

Our latest Business news

Civic Awards 2024 winners on stage
Civic Awards launched to recognise outstanding contributions by community

The first University of Derby Civic Awards, aimed at recognising and celebrating the significant positive impact that individuals and organisations have made in the community, was held on Thursday, 4 July.

Posted: 9 July 2024
University of Derby The Future is You
£1.2m degree apprenticeship funding set to help close skills gaps in the East Midlands

More than £1.2 million has been awarded by the Office for Students to the University of Derby to support the development and expansion of degree apprenticeships, addressing skills gaps in key shortage areas within Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Posted: 22 March 2024
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New partnership to deliver cutting-edge CPD courses for business executives

A groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionising professional development and career advancement opportunities has been launched by the University of Derby and In Professional Development.

Posted: 4 March 2024
University of Derby's Kedleston Road campus with signage that reads 'The Future is You'
£300k awarded to Derby for new apprenticeships in Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Social Work

Five new degree apprenticeships to educate the workforce of the future and boost healthcare and social work are being launched in Derby. The apprenticeships will be delivered by the University of Derby after it was awarded more than £300,000 funding by the Office for Students. 

Posted: 17 January 2024
Councillor Tricia Gilby and Professor Kathryn Mitchell
University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council sign new partnership agreement

The University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations. 

Posted: 14 December 2023

Our Business Services Charter

Read our Business Services Charter, which sets out the quality of service you can expect from us.