University of Derby Shares Upcoming Business Support Events and Opportunities

For Rail Forum members based in Derby and the wider region, there are several opportunities to engage with the University and its business community over the coming months.

The University’s next Help to Grow: Management programme begins on 4 January 2027, offering SME leaders a 12-week programme combining online and face-to-face learning with peer networking and 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring.

The programme is 90% funded by the UK Government, with participants paying £750. Businesses must employ between five and 249 people and have been operating for at least one year, while participants must be a leader or decision-maker with at least one direct report.

The programme covers areas including strategy and innovation, high-performance leadership, digital technology, financial management, entering new markets and responsible business practices. For SME members looking to strengthen management capability while developing a practical growth plan, this could provide a useful structured development opportunity.

Businesses are also invited to the Economic Review for Businesses: Big Trends, Local Impact at the Cavendish Building in Derby on Monday 30 November, from 8.30am to 11am.

Hosted by Derby International Business School and the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory, in partnership with the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, the session will provide analysis of the Autumn Budget and wider economic developments.

The programme includes reflections on the Budget and UK economy, the release of the 2026 DIBS Top 200 Businesses in Derby and Derbyshire, and a roundtable exploring the potential impact of economic developments on businesses and households.

The briefing may be particularly relevant to members considering how economic conditions could inform future investment, workforce and operational decisions.

Employers can also get involved with the University of Derby’s East Midlands Degree Apprenticeships Fair, taking place at its Kedleston Road campus on Wednesday 10 February 2027. The University currently lists the event as running from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Designed to help students explore degree apprenticeship opportunities, the event is particularly aimed at Year 11 to 13 students considering routes into areas including STEM, healthcare, business and education. The University reports that its 2026 event attracted more than 25 employers and 750 students

For rail organisations considering apprenticeship recruitment and longer-term skills pipelines, the fair provides an opportunity to engage directly with prospective future talent.

The University also hosts Butties and Business on the first Tuesday of each month at the Game Changer Lab in the Cavendish Building.

The breakfast networking event brings together students, graduates, pre-start and early-stage founders and members of the local business community, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and connect with organisations offering practical business support.

Businesses looking for office space in Derby can explore co-location opportunities within the University’s Cavendish Building, located on Agard Street in the city centre.

The University’s published offer includes flexible office space, connectivity, meeting and event facilities and opportunities for businesses to engage with University expertise, researchers and students.

For businesses interested in establishing or expanding a Derby presence, the co-location model also provides opportunities for collaboration with the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange teams.

Members can explore the University of Derby’s wider business support offer, covering areas including funding, research and innovation, workforce development, recruitment, facilities and enterprise support, through its Business Services team