Christopher Nieper Foundation

We have embarked on an exciting strategic partnership with the Christopher Nieper Foundation aimed at strengthening community engagement, driving positive social impact, and enhancing skills development in Derbyshire’s forgotten towns. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing societal challenges through education, innovation, and opportunity creation, with a special focus on the town of Alfreton. 

About the Christopher Nieper Foundation

Established in 2020 as the philanthropic arm of David Nieper Ltd., the Christopher Nieper Foundation was created with a clear mission: to make Alfreton, the home of David Nieper Ltd., a better place to live, work, and learn. The Foundation is deeply rooted in community values and aims to support education, raise aspirations, and foster local pride. Through its initiatives, it aims to rejuvenate forgotten towns like Alfreton, empowering residents to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. 

Our Strategic Partnership

Our partnership with the Christopher Nieper Foundation signifies a powerful alliance, combining the University’s academic expertise with the Foundation’s grassroots approach to community impact. Together, we aim to create new opportunities for local development and innovation, starting with Alfreton. This collaboration will ensure that both organisations can address the unique challenges faced by these communities and unlock their full potential. 

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the importance of this partnership: 
“This partnership exemplifies the University’s commitment to civic responsibility and our belief in the transformative power of education. By working hand-in-hand with the Foundation, we are poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our communities.”

Christopher Nieper OBE DL, Founder of the Foundation, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: 
“We are thrilled to join forces with the University in a shared mission to create positive change in our community.”

Opportunities and projects

This partnership provides a framework for a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering real-world opportunities for students, graduates, and the wider community. One of the standout projects is the "Spirit of Alfreton" community news hub, which allows Journalism students from the University to gain hands-on experience as community editors, contributing to the town’s news and views. This initiative is just the start of what promises to be a broader roll-out of the “Spirit of” model to other marginalised communities across Derbyshire, offering even more students valuable work experience and engagement opportunities.

A cornerstone of the partnership is creating rich, experiential learning opportunities for students. The Foundation aims to offer real-world project briefs, internships, and work placements through the University’s Student Employment Agency, allowing students to gain practical skills that will prepare them for future careers. The David Nieper Ltd annual design competition and bursary for Fashion and Textiles students has already fostered a decade-long relationship, and now, with new live brief opportunities across multiple disciplines, students from various fields can participate in projects that will shape their professional journeys.  

Mutual benefits

For both the University of Derby and the Christopher Nieper Foundation, this partnership represents a mutual commitment to regional development. The University benefits from deepening its civic engagement and providing students with applied learning experiences, while the Foundation gains access to academic research, expertise, and new collaborations. By working together, we can more effectively address regional issues, secure external funding for expansion projects, and build a stronger, more connected community. 

Accelerating growth

At the heart of this partnership is a shared goal: accelerating the growth of Derbyshire’s forgotten towns through education, innovation, and community engagement. Together, the University and the Foundation aim to work on collaborative Research and Development projects, identifying opportunities for external funding, and rolling out successful community models like the "Spirit of Alfreton" to other towns. This partnership ensures that both organisations are well-positioned to lead positive change, while providing students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in transformative work. 

This collaboration not only builds on an existing relationship, but also opens new doors for future growth, ensuring that both the University and the Christopher Nieper Foundation are aligned in their missions to support regional development and drive lasting social impact.