Growing Innovation and Business

Accelerating small-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

We are right at the heart of the issues and challenges that matter - to our city, our region, to business, industry and our communities and society in general. Investing in our future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to drive innovation and create a collaborative environment where research has real impact and graduate talent can flourish.

Connect with our Business Engagement Team

Whether you're exploring collaboration, training, or support, or looking to navigate our business services, partnerships, and opportunities, get in touch via our enquiry form to speak to our team.

 Enquiry form 0800 001 5500

Stay connected

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Meet our team

  • Allison Briers, Business Gateway Manager (left)
  • Mara Tomecsko, Business Gateway Officer (right)
Alli and Mara

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.

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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

What stage is your business at?

Starting-up

If you have an idea for a new business or are in the early stages of establishing yourself, see how we can help.

Scaling-up

If you're ready to grow your business, see what support and funding we can offer.

Established, larger or corporates

Even if your business is well-established, there are plenty of ways we can add value.

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 Business news

A big building with lots of windows is seen in the sunshine
Planes, trains and automobiles dominate Top 200 Businesses list – but property industry is gaining ground

Derby has cemented its reputation as a city of innovation for transport, with businesses such as Toyota, Alstom and Rolls-Royce leading the Top 200 Businesses in Derby and Derbyshire list.

Posted: 28 November 2025
A man is standing with a microphone in his hand
Local businesses encouraged to apply for Royal award by alumnus

Businesses across Derby and Derbyshire are being encouraged to put themselves forward for The King’s Awards for Enterprise, as a University of Derby alumnus shares the transformative impact the prestigious recognition had on him.

Posted: 25 June 2025
University of Derby applicants pitch side at Derby County
Students go pitch-side at exclusive University DCFC event

Ahead of starting university in September, prospective students had the chance to step into the world of professional football during a VIP experience event at Derby County Football Club.

Posted: 15 April 2025
Clayton project team in front of freight train
Innovative rail project aims to make freight industry more eco-friendly

An innovative project exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the rail freight industry.

Posted: 14 April 2025
one of the University of Derby’s six Academic Themes.
Innovative railway inspection project using AI gets underway

An innovative, three-year project aimed at revolutionising the railway industry using artificial intelligence has been launched by the University of Derby and Sperry Rail.

Posted: 9 January 2025

Our Business Services Charter

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