Talking Investment: ‘We see immense potential in Derby’

For more than 30 years, globally renowned engineering and development consultancy AtkinsRéalis has been based in Derby, working with key investors to help deliver major projects. Here, in her own words, the firm’s national regeneration lead, Emma Davies, explains how Derby’s ‘compelling investment opportunities’ are powering its growth.

AtkinsRéalis is proud to have a long-standing association with Derby, having been based in the city for over 30 years, and reflective of our work with a number of the key investors in the city including Rolls-Royce, University of Derby, Derby City and County Councils, VINCI, and Grainger.

As enablers and deliverers of property and infrastructure solutions, we see immense potential in Derby and its surrounding communities, and this was very evident at the recent UKREiiF roundtable I attended, centred around: “How Derby’s £9bn nuclear deal is creating opportunities across all investment sectors.”

AtkinsRéalis is very proud to have worked with Rolls-Royce for over 20 years and recently this partnership has grown to include a joint appointment with Mott MacDonald, to be Rolls-Royce’s’ new fissile design partner as part of plans to double the size of its submarines site in Derby.

The facility expansion is addressing significant growth in demand from the UK Royal Navy and the tri-lateral AUKUS submarine programme, which will support Australia in acquiring its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

We recognise the role major employers play in delivering economic growth, with the additional benefits for SMEs, housing, and education amongst others.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the average employment multiplier in tradable sectors is 0.73, meaning each new job creates an additional 0.73 jobs elsewhere.

In high-tech industries, this multiplier rises to 1.4, and Derby is exceptionally well-positioned to capitalise on this dynamic.

With excellent transport links and surrounded by breathtaking countryside, Derby and its environs can provide an excellent home for people of all ages.

Through our recent work with High Peak Borough Council and Revitalising Buxton, we have been working with the council to appoint a development partner to help provide more homes and a strong local economy for the people of Buxton.

So, what’s next for Derby? The recent reopening of the refurbished Market Hall presents a unique opportunity to enhance connectivity across the city and increase dwell time in the city centre.

Further economic growth in high-tech industries is facilitated with initiatives such as SmartParc Derby, a collection of world-class, cutting-edge food production facilities based around a campus style park set in 155 acres delivered by SmartParc SEGRO Derby.

And there is the completion and opening of Vaillant Live, which will, once again enable Derby to attract and host major cultural events and business tourism.

However, the key to sustaining this level of investment and growth depends on organisations like AtkinsRéalis and our partners continuing to nurture the skills pipeline that Derby needs to thrive.

The often-cited “chicken and egg” dilemma is particularly relevant here: Derby has grown because it has offered compelling investment opportunities, and the local community, council and workforce have responded to deliver the land, talent and infrastructure required.

This cycle has positioned Derby as a centre of excellence in innovation, research, and development.

Long may it continue.

*AtkinsRéalis partnered with Marketing Derby at last month’s UKREiiF event in Leeds. A transcript of the roundtable discussion Emma participated in will be included in the autumn edition of our Innovate Magazine, which will be published later in the year. A digital version will eventually be posted here.