Unipart

Our strategic partnership

The University of Derby and Unipart have formed a three‑year strategic partnership designed to enhance student opportunities, strengthen industry‑education collaboration, and support sustainable regional growth. Through close collaborative working, the alliance will develop future‑focused skills, champion innovation, and address sustainability challenges across supply chains.

Combining academic expertise with Unipart’s industry knowledge, the partnership will deliver meaningful work‑based learning, research and innovation projects, and wider civic impact – creating long‑term value for students, staff, industry, and the region.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby sat next to Darren Leigh, CEO at Unipart signing partnership at a table — Professor Kathryn Mitchell and Darren Leigh formalising the strategic partnership agreement.

About Unipart

With headquarters in Oxford, Unipart is a global supply chain performance improvement partner with more than 50 years of heritage, delivering innovative solutions to customers across multiple sectors in 22 countries, including manufacturing, logistics and engineering.

Through the partnership, Unipart’s industry expertise will help shape the University’s curriculum, inform research and innovation, and provide students with real‑world insight into sustainable, efficient and digital practices within complex supply chains.

Unipart's ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains. Partnerships with purpose are core to who we are and who we become. We share a commitment to supporting innovation and creating positive impact in the communities we serve - students, colleagues and industry. I am excited about what this partnership will develop and deliver, together.

Darren Leigh

CEO of Unipart and University of Derby alumnus

Partnering for impact

Aligned with the Institute of Carbonomics, sustainability and environmental impact will be central to both business education and operational practice within the partnership. The collaboration strengthens links with a global industry leader, enhances research and innovation capability, and enriches the student learning experience through real‑world application.

Through joint initiatives, the University and Unipart will address social, economic and environmental challenges, while supporting efforts to reduce energy use and meet sustainability targets. This shared approach reflects a strong commitment to innovation, civic responsibility, and positive societal impact across the region and beyond.

The partnership will also provide students and graduates with access to a wide range of practical learning experiences and career pathways, including:

A three‑year fully funded PhD studentship exploring innovation and sustainability in supply chains
Graduate schemes and student placements offering hands‑on experience in operations, logistics, and digital supply‑chain management
Expert insight from Unipart professionals on graduate attributes, future workforce skills, and sustainable business practices

Collectively, the opportunities support the development of highly skilled graduates ready to make an immediate and lasting impact in industry. They also reinforce strong alignment between academic delivery and industry practice, helping to bridge the gap between education, research and operational challenges.

Kath Mitchell outside the University of Derby

We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Unipart. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, industry engagement, and positive civic impact. By working together, we will create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and the wider community, while advancing sustainable growth and maximising the impact of our work with industry.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby

Accelerating growth and innovation

The partnership will accelerate growth and innovation by bringing together academic expertise and real‑world industry challenges. Through collaborative research, education and innovation projects, the University and Unipart will explore sustainable and digital practices, refine operational approaches, and test new solutions to address complex supply‑chain demands.

Working together will further strengthen the University of Derby’s position as a globally engaged, industry‑connected institution, contributing to regional economic growth, advancing sustainable business practices, and delivering meaningful impact for students, industry and the wider community, in line with the University's civic mission.