University strengthens ties with supply chain improvement experts

The University of Derby has strengthened ties with a supply chain performance improvement firm in order to create new opportunities for students.

The three-year strategic partnership with Oxford-based Unipart will foster collaborative working, strengthen links between industry and education, and support both organisations in their ambitions to grow and evolve their operations.

Unipart is a supply chain performance improvement partner with more than 50 years of heritage, providing solutions to customers across multiple sectors in 22 countries.

The partnership will create new work-based learning opportunities for students and staff, as well as collaborative research and innovation projects.

Opportunities will include a three-year fully-funded PhD studentship, graduate schemes, student placements and insight from Unipart experts on developing graduate attributes and skills for the future workforce, and sustainable and digital practices across operations and supply chains.

A key feature of the collaboration is its alignment with the university’s Institute of Carbonomics, which focuses on driving sustainable business and environmental impact through research and education.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Unipart through this strategic agreement.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, industry engagement and positive civic impact.

“By working together, we will create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff and the wider community, while advancing our ambition to deliver sustainable growth and maximise the impact of our work with industry.”

Darren Leigh, chief executive at Unipart and University of Derby alumnus, said: “Unipart’s ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains.

“Partnerships with purpose are core to Unipart developing to what it is today and to who we become tomorrow.

“We share the same commitment to supporting innovation and creating positive impact in the communities we serve – students, colleagues and industry.

“I am excited therefore about what this partnership will develop and deliver, together.”