University shares bold vision for new Business School with alumni

The University of Derby has shared its bold vision for the £75 million Cavendish Building with leaders from its alumni community, as well as key supporters and partners.

At an event recently held at Peckwash Mill – a former 13th-century water-driven corn mill and paper mill – guests were given a chance to learn more about the new seven-storey building due to open next month, which will soon be the new home of Derby International Business School.

Hosted by David Boutcher MBE, deputy chair of the University of Derby Business School Council, and Professor Keith McLay, deputy vice-chancellor of the university, the event also highlighted the university’s Opening Doors campaign, which is designed to create new opportunities for students and alumni, as well as the wider region and beyond.

Professor McLay said: “The University of Derby is at the forefront of industry engagement, research excellence, and transforming lives.

“We are especially proud of The Cavendish Building – the future home of Derby International Business School – which marks a bold new chapter for our institution.

“Sharing these exciting plans with our alumni and key supporters is a vital step in that journey.”

The Cavendish Building will further deepen the university’s links between businesses and international industry, as well as serving as an incubator for entrepreneurial ventures, offering mentoring, workshops and start-up resources.

With a creativity lab, an extended reality suite, trading floor, and a Harvard-style lecture theatre, The Cavendish Building will also provide a space where students can learn from inspirational businesses, work on live briefs and real consultancy projects.

Dr Nicola Lynch, head of Derby International Business School, also spoke at the event.

She said: “At Derby International Business School, we are doing something truly special.

“We are creating a blueprint for how education and enterprise can come together – not just to react to the future, but to lead it.

“We are building partnerships, fostering innovation, and preparing our students to tackle the big challenges facing the world today, including sustainability, digital transformation, economic resilience and social responsibility.

“Our students will work in roles and industries that don’t even exist yet. They will be asked to solve problems we can’t yet see.

“It is our collective responsibility to make sure they are ready – not only with knowledge, but with confidence, adaptability and a deep sense of purpose.”

Mr Boutcher added: “It was a pleasure to host this event, and to inform our supporters and alumni of the exciting plans that the University of Derby has for its new business school building.

“We are determined to open doors not just for our students and alumni but also for industry and business.

“At the University of Derby, we are putting industry needs at the very heart of both our teaching and our research, and our goal is clear: to be a University for Industry.

“We are already collaborating with some fantastic companies and together, we are creating new pathways to success.”