Derby office move for East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has moved its Derby team into a new city centre location, co-locating with the University of Derby at its Enterprise Centre, in Bridge Street.

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The move further strengthens the strategic partnership between the Chamber and university who have worked closely together, especially during the pandemic, on projects such as the Generation Next young professionals’ network, low-carbon business research, joint bidding for economic recovery business support such as the Community Renewal Fund, and a number of business expos as part of the wider Derbyshire Festival of Business – launched last week.

East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “Like all businesses, due to the acceleration of the Chamber’s digital transformation following the effects of the pandemic, we have been evaluating our office footprint to ensure it is fit for purpose in this new era of agile working.

“This is not just in terms of the facilities we use but the needs of our members, customers, the wider business community and Chamber team, and this felt like a fantastic opportunity to work closer together with one of our strategic partners.

“Our Derby city-based team is very much looking forward to working in such close proximity to so many amenities and be part of a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurship in this shared workspace. The recovery of city centres is very important to us and we know will depend on businesses like ours continuing to invest in them as we return to normality.

“All the team based in Derby are customer-facing and the fantastic meeting spaces here, alongside our other Derbyshire-based office in Chesterfield, means we will be able to continue providing excellent service to members and customers in this part of our region.”

The move will also create a business support hub for new start-ups, as well as thriving and growing businesses, in the heart of Derby.

Chamber members can benefit from use of the Enterprise Centre’s Business Lounge, which features informal co-working space, free Wi-Fi, refreshments and access to University of Derby business events and networks.

As the headline partner of Generation Next, which is aimed at young professionals and business leaders aged 18 to 35, the university is also able to bring entrepreneurial students closer together with the local business community – helping to shape their future careers.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome the Chamber to the university’s Enterprise Centre.

“This move speaks volumes about the hugely constructive relationship we have built with the Chamber over recent years. Our partnership work is thriving, and the development of our varied and comprehensive offer to the business community is no doubt helping to take that even further.”

East Midlands Chamber has been based in Derby for more than 100 years and previously had its presence in the city at Pride Park. It also has offices in Chesterfield Nottingham, Leicester, Mansfield and Glossop.