university of derby

Chesterfield community organisations invited to apply for University of Derby funding

A fund created to support local groups, organisations and individuals in Chesterfield and the wider Derbyshire area will return for 2025 following a successful debut.

The University of Derby is inviting applications from anyone based in the city or county who is seeking seed funding for projects that will bring impact to the local area and community and would like to work in partnership with the University to bring their ideas to life.

The Civic Community Fund provided seed funding to five organisations in 2024. They were music and arts development group Baby People, Chesterfield-based inclusive arts project SocialFuse Festival, children’s mental wellbeing CIC Bridge The Gap, Hands on Skin – an initiative which looks at exploring identity and cultural heritage through drum rhythms – and a project that co-creates poetry around nature connectedness and the Whispers From The Woods poetry book.

As well as receiving a grant from the University of Derby, successful applicants were also invited to work closely with researchers and other experts at the University to profile and share their work within the wider civic community.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ann Fomukong-Boden used the funding to host SocialFuse Festival; an inclusive event held in Chesterfield over the summer which showcased various social enterprises from across the county.

She said: “The contribution we received from the Civic Community Fund enabled us to host SocialFuse Festival earlier this year, and to ensure that the event was free for all attendees.

“This meant that everyone in the community could join in, regardless of their financial situation.

“It is important to us that SocialFuse Festival is accessible to all, and we are grateful to the University of Derby for the support it has given us.”

The Civic Community Fund is designed to support the work of the University’s Civic University Agreement, which was launched in June 2022, by creating new partnerships locally and providing support to civic projects that will have a positive impact within the community.

Although the Civic Community Fund is a relatively new initiative, the University has supported local community projects for decades, providing funding to inspiring groups across Derbyshire who make a real difference to people’s lives.

Dr Rhiannon Jones, (Associate Professor of Civic Practice) and Head of Civic and Communities at the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby is proud to be a Civic organisation that is committed to playing its part in the city and county’s ongoing prosperity and wellbeing, supporting local communities and the people within them, working closely with our stakeholders and partners to deliver our Civic University Agreement.

“The Civic Community Fund has been a hugely successful initiative, and we are looking forward to receiving applications for 2025.

“The fund is a fantastic way of enabling us to provide bespoke support for local groups and individuals whose endeavours would benefit from the support the University can offer. We are looking for people who want to partner with us in the longer term, to work with our experts to develop their brilliant projects and make a real impact in the local area.”

Applications for the Civic Community Fund should be made via the university’s website before January 31. Applicants will be notified of funding application outcomes by February 14, 2025.

University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Regional Green Growth triples in 9 years, says new study

Green Growth activity – environmentally sustainable economic growth – from businesses in the East Midlands is three times higher than it was in 2015.

That is according to joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby.

Green Growth Trends research published this week by the two organisations tracks and analyses awareness and engagement with green growth, decarbonisation, and the uptake of nature-based solutions (NBS), based on responses from businesses in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey.

Findings for 2024 reveal a 7% increase from 2023 in East Midlands businesses achieving turnover from the supply of green goods and services, while more than 45% businesses in the region invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% since 2023.

The research highlights significant difference in Green Growth activity based on the size of a business. Three quarters of large businesses in the East Midlands pursue Green Growth activities but only half of small businesses do, while for micro businesses the figure drops to four out of ten.

Key findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024

  • 7% more businesses derive turnover from the supply of Green Growth goods and services than in 2023
  • 43% of businesses trade in environmentally friendly goods and services
  • Three quarters of large businesses pursue Green Growth, half of small and four out of ten (39%) micro businesses
  • More than 45% businesses invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, up 6% since 2023
  • Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
  • Just over 30% of businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
  • Three in ten businesses have no turnover for green goods and services, 10% lower than in 2023

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said:

“With COP29 just behind us, the publishing of this report is timely and gives assurance, on one hand that East Midlands businesses are prioritising playing their part in the journey toward Net Zero, while also highlighting how much further they still need to go.

“Smaller businesses tend to be behind larger businesses, according to the findings of this research, where fewer staff and more limited resources may create a greater challenge, but it’s important that firms keep going with that mission toward becoming more sustainable and reducing their carbon footprint.”

Derby Business School Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baranova said:

“Seeing a 7% lift in East Midlands businesses benefiting financially by actively pursuing Green Growth is really encouraging, especially as there’s limited support nationally for businesses on their Green Growth journey.

“Larger businesses are well on their way, but micro businesses are lagging behind with just four out of ten embracing Green Growth. It’s important that businesses resist ‘climate fatigue’ and don’t pull back from their effort to embrace and gain from Green Growth.

“With 10% fewer businesses engaged in Green Growth than in 2023, the need to keep Green Growth high up the list of priorities is clearly underlined.”

To view the full Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands report for 2024 click here.

Want support to make your business grow sustainably? Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

East Midlands Chamber and University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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East Midlands businesses address the challenges of Climate Change preparation at summit

The region’s businesses joined academics and industry specialists to tackle barriers in achieving Net Zero at the East Midlands Sustainability Summit on 12th September.

Workshops, seminars and presentations unpicked hurdles faced by firms in their journey toward become more sustainable at the event hosted by East Midlands Chamber, in partnership with the University of Derby, where the summit was held.

East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins opened the summit. He said afterwards: “To see so many businesses, of different types and sizes gathered at this summit was a welcome sight and really underlines just how seriously the East Midlands is taking its approach to sustainability. I get the feeling no one is under any pretence about the obstacles that can make mitigating against Climate Change daunting. How does a business prepare? Are they doing it the right way?

“Today’s summit shared best practice, saw research the Chamber has carried out with the University of Derby and workshops to help break down difficulties and find solutions. The East Midlands must, as I reiterated today, think hard about what it leaves for Generation Next-But-One – what we do now directly impacts the life they inherit. Businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire really can be on the right side of history and get this right, but how we all get to that destination, when each business is structured differently, is a conversation that must never stop.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Getting East Midlands businesses together to overcome the challenges around becoming more sustainable is an important step toward achieving Net Zero, but we should remember that the summit was also an excellent opportunity to focus on the economic growth potential for businesses that get the strategy right.

“Keeping the momentum of the sustainability journey front and centre of all business operation is essential, as putting it on the back burner to just worry about another day isn’t an option.

“We heard from some fantastic speakers today and I extend my thanks to all of them – to our summit sponsors Auditel, Geo Green Power and our partner for this summit, the University of Derby.”

Research carried out by the Chamber and the University of Derby into Green Growth Trends – achieving economic growth without negatively impacting the environment – was shared by the university’s Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baralova. Findings included three quarters of large businesses reporting that they pursue Green Growth, while half of small businesses did.

Following the presentation, Dr Polina Baralova said: “My advice to businesses would be to think a little bit about how to grow sustainably, which we refer to as Green Growth. So, if you have a number of products and services that you trade on the market and they are having green credentials – as in they allow the general public, your customers or suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and support an environmentally friendly agenda.

“At the same time, you also need to start thinking about your decarbonization initiatives and reducing carbon so those two elements go hand to hand. You can’t really have one without another.”

Businesses in Chesterfield can receive support to reduce their carbon footprint. Find out more by visiting our business support page.

East Midlands Chamber and University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Lecture theatre at university with summit being delivered

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Chamber teams up with University of Derby to deliver upcoming Sustainability Summit

The transition to net zero and getting over ‘climate fatigue’ are among issues taking centre stage at the East Midlands Sustainability Summit at the University of Derby on 12th September.

Presented by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with the University of Derby, the summit will bring together industry specialists, academics and the region’s business community to explore how to overcome challenges in changing working practices to tackle climate change.

East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins said: “The East Midlands, like all regions, has a responsibility to think carefully what it leaves behind for what I call Generation Next-But-One, those who will inherit the world we leave behind. All businesses should play their part in adopting measures that mitigate against and significantly reduce the catastrophic impact of climate change.

“The good news is that most businesses have already taken steps toward cutting their carbon usage, cutting out working methods that are not energy efficient, but this isn’t an easy challenge with a simple out of the box solution. The East Midlands Sustainability Summit is a place to hear and share best practice from a wide range of industries and to take an informed look at how we navigate the hurdles to achieve net zero.”

University of Derby Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baranova, who will speak on research into Green Growth trends in the East Midlands said: “The study we carry out into Green Growth in the East Midlands is now in its 9th year and I look forward to sharing the latest findings at the Sustainability Summit. From last year’s position we’ve seen encouraging signs of green growth recovery in the region. Within the context of political uncertainty around green business support at national and local level, businesses in the East Midlands continue to commit resources and develop strategic capabilities to compete in the green market niches at home and internationally.

“The research that we’ll present at the summit also reports an increase in the number of regional businesses investing in decarbonisation and biodiversity net gain. This signals an intensifying role of regional business in tackling climate challenges. Despite these developments, more needs to be done to excel and expand on the green growth progress that’s been made thus far, and at the summit I look forward to outlining how policy and local government can put forward measures to achieve that.”

Speakers at 2024’s East Midlands Sustainability Summit:

• Professor Chris Sansom – Professor of Concentrated Solar Power and Head of Zero Carbon Theme, University of Derby
• Dr Polina Baranova – Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability, University of Derby
• Julie Adams – Carbon, Cost and Procurement Consultant, Auditel.
• Becky Valentine – Co-owner, Sustainability & Building Health Consultant, Spenbeck
• Andy Wright – Responsible Business Director, Samworth Brothers
• Becky Clayton – Partner, PwC
• Stuart Dawkins – President, East Midlands Chamber

Building photographed from above with solar panels on the roof

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£1.2m degree apprenticeship funding for the University of Derby

More than £1.2 million has been awarded by the Office for Students to the University of Derby to support the development and expansion of degree apprenticeships, addressing skills gaps in key shortage areas within Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The sum of £1,234,378 was the largest awarded by the Office for Students in this second wave of investment, totalling £14 million across 32 universities and colleges. It will be used to support the delivery of new degree apprenticeships, facilitate continuing engagement with potential apprentices and employers, and raise aspirations of those living in the region. It comes on top of more than £300,000 given to the University by the Office for Students in January.

The funding will be used to develop new degree apprenticeships, including a Project Manager programme to support skills needs in the region. It will provide support for the growing nuclear industry, adding to the apprenticeships offered at the Nuclear Skills Academy, which is run in partnership by the University and Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd.

A new Public Health Practitioner degree apprenticeship will also be developed, which will help address the training requirements for the UK’s public health workforce, as identified in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

In addition to new programmes, the funding will support increased awareness of and participation in apprenticeships that currently experience low take-up across the country, building on the University’s expertise in strengthening relationships with employers and the business community. These include programmes in the nuclear and aerospace industries, as well as a range of health care apprenticeships, including in diagnostic radiography and operating department practice.

Dr Denise Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “This funding will provide a major boost to our efforts to address significant skills gaps in our region and across the UK. It will enable us to work even more closely with employers to promote apprenticeships, offer peer support – especially for smaller and medium-sized organisations – and support employers to maximise their use of the apprenticeship levy. The University of Derby already has a strong reputation for its apprenticeships in the region with a proven track record of engaging with industry, and this support from the Office for Students will help us to develop closer industry ties to benefit apprentices and the sectors in which they work.”

Find out more about apprenticeships at the University of Derby: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/training-development/apprenticeships/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Classroom of students at the University of Derby

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Conference urges business growth and collaboration to boost Chesterfield’s economy

Businesses in Chesterfield are being encouraged to explore ways in which they can grow, as part of ambitious plans to improve the town’s economy and create higher-value jobs for residents.

Speakers at Destination Chesterfield’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference highlighted ways in which local businesses can harness support to innovate and create new jobs.

They also identified that if all organisations in the town currently categorised as ‘low growth’ experienced just a 1% uplift, it would significantly boost the local economy.

Helping businesses to grow and ensuring people have the right skills are key objectives of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Growth Strategy (2023-2027). To support this, delegates at Celebrate Chesterfield heard from businesses which are innovating and overcoming challenges to boost growth.

Mike Isherwood, Managing Director of event headline sponsor, System Q explained how his business has evolved and adapted to become a supplier to major organisations, including the Ministry of Defence: “We are committed to providing our customers with the most innovative and advanced technology, ensuring their safety and security at all times.

“Our company is proud to be a part of the thriving high-tech community in Chesterfield, a town known for its innovation and progress. Despite the common belief that the best firms and talent are found in larger cities, this quaint town is home to a wealth of undiscovered talent.”

Ash Young, Managing Director of CarMats.co.uk recently relocated his business to the town.

He said: “If we hadn’t done things differently, we wouldn’t have seen the growth that we have. When we set up the business we were aiming for 100 orders per day, but because we changed the way we marketed the products, we are now shipping around 150,000 orders per year and we’re going to turn over about £7.5m this year.

“We’ve managed to hire a really skilled team in Chesterfield and the transport links mean it’s easy for us to get out to couriers easily.”

Amy Revell, of We Are Spaces Ltd recently expanded her business into larger office space at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, having initially moved into the development last year.

She said: “We currently turn over around £7m and have 15 employees, and we are rapidly growing. Chesterfield has played a big part in our growth – we have a lovely office space here which we managed to grow from one of the smaller suites into a larger one. We’ve managed to recruit really good people in the area, and we are strategically placed really well. Being so central has allowed us to grow all of our core services nationally.”

At the conference, Destination Chesterfield also launched its ambitious new strategy and plan, which outlines the partnership’s aims to attract further inward investment, support businesses to grow and encourage more people to visit the town.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “This plan reflects our town’s ambition, and where we collectively see the biggest growth opportunities. Recent research has identified 26% of revenues from tourism, inward investment and talent growth are shaped by people’s perception of a town or city.  Meaning our collective work to promote the town are vital to achieving the towns growth aspirations.

Celebrate Chesterfield business innovation panel, Mike Isherwood, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Adam Doyle

“Since 2010, Destination Chesterfield has worked alongside Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions to promote the area as a contemporary destination to invest, work, live and visit, and our public-private partnership continues to play a central role in the town’s success. We must continue working together to raise the profile of Chesterfield to realise its significant potential.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council added: “Celebrate is always a fantastic event that showcases the very best that our borough has to offer. It was great to be able to meet with businesses to talk about how the council can support them to grow, but also to hear from them directly and discover what else we can do to drive growth and investment.

“I was also pleased to see a strong reception the new Destination Chesterfield strategy and plan – this aligns closely with our own growth strategy and together we can help grow our local economy, attract more investment and deliver benefits for both businesses and our residents.”

The 2024 Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference was also sponsored by Markham Vale and the University of Derby. The event also saw almost 40 businesses exhibiting across the East Midlands Chamber Business Support Zone and the Invest in Chesterfield Zone.

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New partnership to deliver cutting-edge CPD courses for business executives

A groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionising professional development and career advancement opportunities has been launched by the University of Derby and In Professional Development.

This strategic collaboration combines the academic excellence of the University of Derby with the innovative training solutions provided by In Professional Development, providing individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

This integration will ensure that those who attend the courses are equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with practical skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The collaboration will extend beyond the classroom (face to face and virtual), offering tailored professional development solutions to organisations seeking to upskill their workforce. Through workshops, seminars, and customised training programmes, employees will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise in key areas such as leadership, project management, digital marketing and more, which they can use to drive organisational growth and success.

The partnership brings together the University’s expertise in industry-focused teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, with In Professional Development’s experience in delivering executive education and its reputation as one of the largest providers of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications outside of universities.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Deakin, Head of Enterprise at the University of Derby, said: “Our partnership with In Professional Development is a strategic boost to our already strong offering in executive education. Our range of CMI-accredited degrees, from undergraduate Business Management to MBAs, along with our successful business-to-business training initiatives, sets a strong foundation for this collaboration.

“This move is about enriching the way we educate business leaders. The partnership will blend In Professional Development’s extensive connections and industry insights with our academic and research expertise, offering a unique and relevant learning experience. It’s about taking our commitment to top-quality education to the next level and adapting to the changing needs of the business world.”

The first course to launch will be the Executive Leadership Programme, which is designed to help business leaders to unlock potential through transformative leadership for Executives.

As the partnership develops, more courses will be added, including industry-specific options.

The new partnership is the first step in the creation of a residential hub for CPD in Chesterfield, where the University has a teaching site. Courses will also be delivered at the University’s sites in Derby, with a conference for School and Academy leaders planned in June.

Marc Davis, Executive Director of In Professional Development, said: “We are excited to partner with the University of Derby to deliver high-quality professional development solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals and organisations. By combining our expertise in training and development with the University’s academic resources, we aim to create a seamless pathway for individuals to enhance their skills and achieve their career goals.”

This partnership underlines the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals to reach their full potential in the workforce.

The University’s new Business School is currently under construction in the city centre and when completed will provide a facility for cutting-edge research, learning and teaching, and support businesses in the region and across the globe.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Back of red brick University of Derby building, purple flowers at front

University of Derby, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield

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Four Chesterfield Champions announce new senior appointments and promotions

Four Chesterfield Champions have revealed new appointments and promotions to kickstart 2024.

Find out about the latest successes from Peak Architects, Superior Wellness, Shorts and the University of Derby in our latest roundup:

Trio of promotions for Peak Architects

Peak Architects promotions

After a year of continued growth, Peak Architects has announced a series of promotions. Oliver Glaves is now an Associate, while Alasdair Struthers and Zanthe Wray have been promoted to Senior Architects.

Since joining Peak Architects in 2020, Oliver has proven himself to be an integral member of the Peak Architects team. With a specific focus on the management and technical delivery of its commercial portfolio, his proactive approach and commitment to excellence has contributed to the practice’s growing reputation.

Zanthe joined Peak Architects after working for Ollier Smurthwaite and local practice HCD; whilst Alasdair has previously worked at Peter Barber Architects in London. Zanthe and Alasdair have been instrumental in the development of the practice’s design and quality standards, which has seen the successful delivery of a series of award-winning projects.

Director Paul Holden commented: “These well-deserved promotions are not just a recognition of their work to date, but also an investment in the future of Peak Architects; we are looking forward to their continued development and contribution to the growth of the business. Well done from everyone at Peak Architects”

Shorts promotes Alicia Williams to Director

Alicia Williams Shorts

Shorts has announced the promotion of Alicia Williams to the position of Genus Director with effect from 1st January 2024.

Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an Accounts Senior, Alicia has demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication, earning promotions to Client Financial Controller and Finance System/App Integrator in 2017 and then Client FD and Digital Improvement Lead in 2022. Her progression to Director is testament to her exemplary skills and is a reflection of the active role she has played in the development of our Genus, Management Information offering during that time.

On confirming the promotion, Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Alicia is not only recognised as a leader within Shorts, but also the wider UK accounting community, following an appearance at a Xero Talks Event in London (and subsequent Podcast) and her involvement in the recording of numerous videos for reporting software provider Fathom.

“She has long been Shorts’ ‘go-to’ in terms of helping our clients improve efficiencies and opportunities through the introduction of software solutions, but she has also more recently been heavily involved in the development of what comes next for Shorts in all things AI / Data Analytics completion of the Data Analytics qualification from the ICAEW. Alicia’s promotion is very much deserved and she has worked hard to achieve it.”

Alicia said: “I am incredibly proud to have been promoted to Genus Director at Shorts and excited to be taking the next step in my professional journey. Shorts has fostered a culture of learning and development, and my promotion showcases the firm’s genuine commitment to supporting its employees’ career growth through structured paths. I am excited for my new role, working closely with both our existing clients and futures ones and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”

Superior Wellness Appoints New Operations Director

Mat Day Superior Wellness

Superior Wellness has revealed the appointment of Mathew Day as the company’s new Operations Director. With over 15 years’ experience across a broad range of sectors, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

With an impressive career, Mathew brings exceptional operational expertise and strategic leadership to his new position. Before joining Superior Wellness, Mathew was Head of Operations for Kingfisher Lighting for four and a half years.

Mathew started his journey in the 3PL world working for blue chip companies such as Clipper Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel and Europa Worldwide in which he has held numerous management positions.

As the Operations Director, Mat will play a pivotal role on the operational side of the business driving processes and efficiencies with the Senior Management Team to support the company’s expansion plans and long-term vision.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Mat Day to the Superior Wellness team. His extensive experience and proven track record as an operational leader make him an excellent addition to the team.

“We are confident that Mat will contribute significantly to our continued success as we continue to grow globally. Mat’s experience will continue to strengthen our existing team and I am looking forward to working closely with him.”

New Operations Director Mathew Day said: “I am very excited to join the team here at Superior Wellness. The business is extremely well placed for further significant growth, building upon the strong foundations in place due to the quality of its partner relationships, product offerings, and its people.”

Based in Chesterfield, Superior Wellness is the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer with a network of global partners, distributing several brands including Platinum Spas, Chill Tubs and Hekla Saunas.

University of Derby appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Stephen Dudderidge University of Derby

The University of Derby has appointed Stephen Dudderidge to the new role of Chief Operating Officer, to drive forward the University’s strategic ambitions and future growth.

Stephen is currently Registrar & Secretary at the University of Brighton and will join the University of Derby on 8 April.

At Brighton, Stephen is a member of the Executive Board and leads a wide range of central professional services as well as the institution’s corporate and academic governance.

Stephen joined the University of Brighton in October 2016 after a lengthy career at the University of Nottingham. Having lived and worked for many years in the East Midlands, Stephen has a strong affinity with the region and a knowledge of the University of Derby’s important stakeholder community.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Derby at such a pivotal time for the institution and the sector.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the institution with a view to building on an already strong platform of cohesive service delivery.”

In his new role at Derby, Stephen will be responsible for working with the University’s executive team, led by Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in shaping and advancing the University’s position as an applied and industry-engaged university, building on its reputation for innovation and recent success of achieving Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Stephen to the University.

“He has an excellent track record of leading services, and extensive experience of developing and implementing strategic plans and projects, so he is very well placed to support the University as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategy and strive for future success.”

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to grow with University of Derby support

Business leaders in Chesterfield are being encouraged to explore how they can realise the potential of their organisations, with support to grow from the University of Derby.

Help to Grow: Management is a practical training course delivered by world-class business schools, accredited by the Small Business Charter focusing on building and strengthening people’s capabilities to lead a business, delivered by the University of Derby across Derbyshire.

This course incorporates hybrid learning, peer group networks and mentoring and will support managers and leaders of small and medium-sized businesses to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The 12-week course is 90% funded and the fee payable by participants is £750. The course has been designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.

A new cohort is now available to join this January. Benefits from taking part in the course include:

  • Enhance your management and strategic capabilities
  • Produce a growth plan for your business
  • Build resilience to future shocks
  • Learn how to innovate in your business
  • Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
  • Develop your value proposition and reach into growth markets
  • Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices

One of the course tutors, Dr. Elnerine Greeff, Lecturer in Marketing at Derby Business School, commented: “I’m especially excited to form part of this Help to Grow initiative. The beauty of this programme is that we have businesses which are just starting out now, and we have people with a wealth of experience.

“It is everything that you wanted to learn in your three-year business course at university, condensed and tailor-made to your business, with face-to-face time, mentorship, and absolutely everything that you need to make successful what you are already passionate about.”

Get more information on the Help to Grow: Management programme here. To explore the range of business support available to organisations in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Branded stone wall in front of red brick building - University of Derby Chesterfield campus

University of Derby, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield

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Chesterfield Borough Council agrees new partnership with University of Derby

Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations.

The agreement was officially signed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, at a ceremony in Chesterfield Town Hall on Monday 11 December.

The strategic partnership agreement sets out three joint ambitions:

  • To establish Chesterfield as a University town – delivering higher level skills and education for our people and employers.
  • To work jointly with business partners, education providers and the public sector to deliver world leading research that drives innovation, provide world class facilities to meet the needs of our community and establish a platform to help our entrepreneurs reach their potential.
  • To use our combined assets, within community partnership across Chesterfield, to raise people’s aspirations through delivering effective core skills, careers information, support and advice.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the University of Derby, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. This agreement sets out our joint ambition to establish Chesterfield as a University town. Strengthening higher level skills and education across the borough will bring with it further opportunities for residents, businesses, and support for wider economic growth.

“Working with our partners across the borough we are also ambitious to establish opportunities for world leading research and world class facilities to drive innovation and bring inspirational opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, helping everyone to reach their potential.

“I look forward to working closely with the University of Derby over the coming years to help achieve our ambitions of being a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As Derbyshire’s only university we take our role working with communities and organisations very seriously, and this Strategic Partnership Agreement underlines our commitment to driving ambition and positive change.

“I am looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership as we work together to support skills development and improve outcomes for the people and businesses of Chesterfield and the surrounding area.”

The strategic partnership agreement also sets out a series of high level outcomes to which both organisations are committed over the next three years, focusing on the themes of:

  • Health and wellbeing, community, skills and resilience
  • Innovation and research
  • Experiential learning and curriculum design
  • Brand profile and awareness
  • Assets and investment

To achieve these ambitions and outcomes a delivery plan is being developed which focusses on the assets of the University and within Chesterfield borough. It will also identify the resources both organisations can contribute to achieving the ambitions laid out in the partnership agreement.

University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Representatives from the University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council

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Funding scheme for green innovation scoops national award

A programme that supports organisations to develop green energy and carbon reduction schemes in Derbyshire has won a category at this year’s Innovation Awards.

The Green Entrepreneurs Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council, is a £2 million grant fund open to individuals and organisations based in the county looking to invest in and develop projects that support the drive towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.

The programme team picked up the Sustainability Innovation Champion – Organisation category at the Innovation Awards, organised by the Technology Supply Chain, a membership organisation that connects UK innovative manufacturing, engineering and technology companies to grants, funded support and new opportunities. The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the companies, individuals and organisations dedicated to innovation. The national awards ceremonies attract thousands of entries from across the UK and beyond in four main categories: innovators, individual innovators, innovation champions and innovation thought leaders.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery, Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to win this award in recognition of our partnership with Derbyshire County Council that supports so many innovative projects in the county as we move towards net zero carbon. It is inspiring to see the resourcefulness and creativity of individuals and organisations here in Derbyshire, and it is rewarding to be able to contribute towards initiatives that are making a real difference to our sustainable future.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We recognise the contribution our business community can make towards meeting our target of becoming a net zero county by 2050.

“We’re proud that through the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and our partnership with the University of Derby, we’ve been able to support local firms to develop green energy and cut carbon emissions as part of our net-zero ambitions.”

Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain, added: “The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward innovation across the UK and internationally. Our winners are considered best-in-class and it is a pleasure to celebrate their achievements. This is a great win for the work done by the University of Derby in supporting SMEs in their region with much needed green innovation.”

Find out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme. To find out about the latest support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

eco busines green recycle suatinability

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