Professional workspaces and networks

Our Derby Enterprise Network offers a range of workspaces, networks and events for external business people as well as for our own entrepreneurial students and graduates.

Co-working spaces

Flexible hot-desking space

We have dedicated hot-desking space available for businesses and entrepreneurs to book as a touch-down space. Whether you are looking for a space as an individual or you'd like to get a few colleagues together in a physical room, we're able to offer you the space that you need. Our hot-desking rooms are open and available to book Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

For external business people

Whether you are a freelancer, contractor, small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you are welcome to use our free co-working space called the Business Lounge. It's based at the Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street, just 10 minutes' walk from Derby city centre. This also opens the door to the University's business events and networking groups.

For entrepreneurial students and graduates

Our award-winning Be The Boss programme offered support to students and graduates who wanted to become self-employed.

Your own space

If you are further ahead in your business journey, you might be ready for your own office or studio space. We run hi-spec, affordable 'incubation units' for start-ups.

They are open to external people as well as the University of Derby students or graduates. These units offer you stepped rental charges (so you're not paying more than you can afford in those first few months) and a range of business support services.

Our incubation units are:

Banks Mill Studios for the creative industries

They're all thriving, entrepreneurial environments where you can collaborate and connect with others to help your business grow.

Incubation Membership Application Form

Incubation Membership

Benefits and services

Business Support

FREE standard Membership of the East Midlands Chamber (normally £360 per annum)
Sessions with a business advisor
Ad hoc drop-in surgeries from professional service providers, e.g. accountants, HR specialists, IP specialists
Notification via Email of relevant opportunities and wider support

Promotion of your business

Online listing on the Banks Mill website (Creative businesses only)
Good news stories and case studies promoted on our website
Promotion via incubation social media channels
Promotion for your creative practice in our monthly e-newsletter (Creative industries only)
Access to the BM community, news and support through the closed Facebook group (Creatives only)

Business Services

Free acess to hot desking facilities at the Enterprise Centre (Normally £12 per day)
Use of a postal address at one of our incubation centres; promoting a professional image to your clients
Use of a mailbox for post collection at the Enterprise Centre (Collection during business hours)
Access into studio or office space with stepped rents
Discounted price on meeting rooms at the Enterprise Centre – 20% discount on the charge of externally advertised prices
Free use of the communal areas of the Enterprise Centre such as Costa Coffee area (Conservatory and Business Lounge dependent on availability) for informal meetings
Free use of Banks Mill foyer for solo exhibitions (Creatives only)
Opportunity to take part in creative events at Banks Mill including the annual Open Studios*

* Additional participation charge

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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