Penn Engineered Solutions Ltd

Industry expertise helping shape the engineers of tomorrow

Penn Engineered Solutions, led by founder and Director Richard Penn, is one of the College of Science and Engineering's key industry partners, bringing extensive expertise from the automotive, chemical engineering, energy and manufacturing sectors.

As Industry Chair of the College of Science and Engineering Industry Advisory Board (IAB), Richard plays an important role in strengthening the connection between industry and academia, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes employers need both now and in the future.

With more than 30 years of engineering experience, Richard is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Through his leadership and involvement in national skills initiatives, he provides valuable insight into emerging industry priorities, including decarbonisation, energy security, resilience and future workforce development.

Supporting Industry Integration

The University of Derby's commitment to industry integration is strengthened through partnerships with organisations such as Penn Engineered Solutions. Through the Industry Advisory Board, Richard works alongside academic colleagues to help inform curriculum development, provide insight into sector trends and identify opportunities for students to engage with real-world industry challenges.

This partnership helps ensure teaching remains relevant, responsive and aligned to industry need, while also creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the University and business.

Supporting the Derby Accord

The work of Penn Engineered Solutions and Richard's contribution to the IAB reflects the ambitions of the Derby Accord by helping to connect education, business and innovation across the region.

By championing future skills development and supporting closer collaboration between employers and higher education, Richard helps create pathways that enable students and graduates to contribute to regional growth and the future success of STEM industries.

Richard Penn, Director, Penn Engineered Solutions and Industry Chair, notes:

"I am passionate about developing the next generation of scientists and engineers to take on the challenges of decarbonisation, energy security and resilience. Through the Industry Advisory Board we can provide valuable insight, strengthen collaboration between academia and business, and help ensure students are equipped with the skills and experiences needed for successful careers."

Working together for future talent

The partnership between Penn Engineered Solutions and the University of Derby demonstrates the value of bringing industry expertise directly into the student experience. Through the Industry Advisory Board, guest engagement, industry insight and collaborative projects, organisations such as Penn Engineered Solutions are helping to shape the future workforce while strengthening the University's reputation as a truly industry-connected institution.