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Business Services

Accelerating 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

Partner with the University of Derby to access expertise, recruit skilled talent, develop your workforce and unlock opportunities for innovation and funding.

Derby Accord text graphic on dark blue backgroundBringing together employers, students and the University of Derby to support success, innovation and growth.Find out more about the Derby AccordFind out more about the Derby Accord

Working in partnership with leading employers and industry

We collaborate with leading organisations to drive innovation and growth across the region.

Learn more about our industry partnersLearn more about our industry partners

Building Strong Industry Connections

We believe that real-world experience is an essential part of academic success. Our partnerships with leading organisations across various sectors ensure our students gain valuable insights, hands-on opportunities, and access to the latest industry innovations.

Through collaboration with our industry partners, we bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, preparing our graduates to thrive in competitive global markets.

Connect with our Business Engagement Team

Unlock new opportunities for collaboration and business growth. Get in touch via our enquiry form or call us, and our team will help you identify the solutions that can drive your organisation forward.

Enquiry form   0800 001 5500

Stay connected

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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.

Mark Gilman at the Festival of Business
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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Derby International Business School Consultancy Hub

Find out more about our student-led consultancy hub.

Derby + Industry: Your partner in talent, growth and innovation

At the University of Derby, industry engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We design courses around real business needs, embed employability into every degree, and create a strong pipeline of work-ready graduates.

Discover how businesses are already working with us to create and deliver real growth for their organisations. 

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View Derby + Industry: Your partner in talent, growth and innovation video transcript

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Help to Grow: Management

Want to take your business to the next level? Find out how our Help to Grow: Management Programme can unlock your organisation's full potential.

Find out moreFind out more

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 2024/25 academic year.

Read the Annual Impact ReportRead the Annual Impact Report

Our latest news

University of Derby's Kedleston Road
Five Derby academics added to list of the world’s leading scientists

Five leading academics from the University of Derby have been added to a prestigious global list of the world’s top scientists for 2026.   

Posted: 23 October 2026
Lord Burlington and Susan Ambler
The Devonshire Group strengthens strategic partnership with renewal

The University of Derby has renewed its strategic partnership with The Devonshire Group, building on a successful relationship to create further opportunities and experiences for students, staff, visitors, and communities across the region.  

Posted: 21 October 2026
Glass sphere with a tree inside resting on a piece of wood
Collaborative research shows drop in decarbonisation investment in East Midlands

The proportion of East Midlands businesses investing in decarbonisation has fallen by nearly four per cent, according to joint research published by the University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber.  

Posted: 16 October 2026
People from the University of Derby's Chancellor's Entrepreneurs' Club
Live pitching workshop puts budding entrepreneurs to the test

Business leaders from leading brands, including Unipart, Intercontinental Exchange and AstraZeneca, gathered in Derby for a mentoring session with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Posted: 15 October 2026
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Students challenged by McDonald’s UK&I to rethink recycling in UK-wide competition

Students across the UK are being challenged to help reshape the future of recycling, as part of a new national competition launched by the University of Derby in partnership with McDonald’s UK&I.

Posted: 13 October 2026

Our Business Services Charter

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