Dragon Theo swaps ‘Den’ for Derby City Lab on latest visit

Derby City Lab recently received a special visit from entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den investor Theo Paphitis as it celebrated hitting the 70,000-visitor mark.

Theo, who is Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Derby, visited the lab in the Market Hall as part of special tour of the city, led by Marketing Derby’s Andrew Lowe, who runs the popular Derby Insider Tours.

Following a brief presentation by Andrew at Derby Museums’ Museum of Making, Theo visited Derby Cathedral, Derbion and Derby Theatre.

During his visit to the lab, the businessman examined the Derby City Model – a scale model showing key developments in the city centre, pored over the digital interactive touchscreen showing Derby’s pipeline projects – and chatted to Marketing Derby inward investment executive and Derby City Lab lead Adam Rodgers.

Adam said: “We were delighted to welcome Theo to the lab, who seemed very interested in Derby’s regeneration story to date.

“His visit was particularly timely as we celebrated hitting the 70,000-visitor mark.

“Whether he saw enough to persuade him to make an investment remains to be seen!”

Theo is already investing his time in the city through his role at the University of Derby.

As well as being a visiting professor, he is also co-lead of the Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club alongside Lord Burlington - an exciting initiative that connects students with industry leaders, mentors and business opportunities.

As well as touring the city, during his recent visit he met with teachers, school leaders and business leaders from across the region to discuss how entrepreneurship can be embedded into the curriculum and how young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), can be supported to thrive.

He also met students to share practical advice on entrepreneurship, resilience and building successful careers, regardless of their chosen subject.

With growing scrutiny on the value of a university degree and the skills employers need from graduates, Theo believes higher education must evolve to better prepare students for the realities of modern work and business – using the University of Derby as a leading example.

The businessman praised Derby for its focus on entrepreneurship, employability and approach to preparing students for the modern workplace. 

The university was recently named UK University of the Year in the 2027 Uni Compare rankings and ranked first for employability.

Theo said: “Going to university isn’t for everyone, and it wasn’t something that was part of my journey.

“But if I had my time again and chose to go to university, Derby would be at the top of my list. 

“What makes it different for me is its commitment to entrepreneurship. 

“When I was starting out, that wasn’t on offer. Derby combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial thinking and real-world experience, meaning graduates come out work-ready, with confidence, commercial awareness and the entrepreneurial mindset you need if you’re going to compete – and win – in today’s fast-moving world.”

Dr Sarah Charles, director of the Institute of Education and Skills at the University of Derby, said: “Students choose Derby because they gain much more than a degree; they are given the chance to work with industry partners and gain valuable hands-on experience through placements, so they graduate ready to succeed. 

“That is one of the reasons why we’ve been ranked first for employability by Uni Compare. 

“We know that school leaders have a vital role to play in preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.

“Embedding entrepreneurial thinking within education helps students develop creativity, problem-solving, resilience, collaboration and innovation – skills that are valuable whatever career path they choose.

“It was fantastic to bring together education and business leaders from across the region to explore how we can work together to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”