House of Lords event celebrates Derby as setting a blueprint for industry engagement

Representatives from global industry giants, along with politicians and key figures from higher education, attended a high-profile event at the House of Lords on Tuesday to celebrate the University of Derby’s Business School.

The Rt Hon Lord Patrick McLoughlin CH, Dame Margaret Beckett and Marvin Cooke, Executive Vice President - Toyota Motor Europe, all spoke at the event, lauding the University for creating a new approach to working with industry, one that benefits business and society. The TEF Gold rated University of Derby is Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction* and for teaching quality**.

Its new £70 million Business School, currently being built in the heart of the city centre, will provide a space for Derby’s business researchers and academics to engage with businesses from across the region and around the world. 

Part of the University’s ambitious plans for the Business School is the establishment of a number of Research Chairs, including one in sustainability and the world’s first in carbonomics, areas of global significance for governments and industry across the globe. The development of the skills that graduates of the future need will be embedded in every programme offered, ensuring a talent pipeline aligned to industry.

Commenting on the success of the event, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“The University works at the intersection of global issues, industry and academia, and we are creating a blueprint for the business school of the future right in the centre of Derby. By establishing impactful relationships with industry, undertaking excellent research and creating state-of-the-art facilities, we are working in partnership to deliver positive impact against our greatest national and global challenges. 

“The University is driven by its core purpose of delivering excellence and opportunities for our students. This event has been a fantastic opportunity to share our plans for developing the business talent of the future so that we can ensure our students are equipped with the skills, confidence and mindset that they need to respond to opportunities and challenges.” 

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, added:

“Our ethos is Better Business, Better Society, Better Future. Business is a vital force in driving economic development and social progress, and the Business School will provide the environment for students, academics and industry partners to come together and address environmental, social and governance challenges, positively impacting society at a regional, national and global level.” 

During his speech, Marvin Cooke explained how working with the University has made a difference to Toyota and shared his belief that the new Business School will demonstrate a blueprint for academic and industrial collaboration, while Dame Margaret Beckett outlined the challenges faced by her Derby South constituency, and the role a university can play in addressing those challenges and supporting local communities. 

The University’s student perspective was represented by Dhana Ramasamy, a Derby graduate who is now Chief Financial Officer of Nando’s Botswana. She outlined how her studies have had a transformational impact on her both personally and professionally.

Find out more about studying Business at the University of Derby.

Businesses interested in working with the University of Derby can find out more on the website.

*Complete University Guide 2024

**The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024