The University of Derby Magazine (issue 5)

Inspire, Innovate, Impact Issue 5 • Winter 2016

Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty

INSIDE: The Apprentice star Claude Littner, High Court judge Dame Bobbie Cheema Grubb and Derby Silk Mill

www.derby.ac.uk

4 INSPIRE

Editorial:

Alice Oliver, Susanne Kelliher, Jeremy Swan, Adam Mallaby, Jenny McNicholas, Kelly Tyler, Holly Smith and Laura Ratcliffe

Richard Richards and Sally Edwards

7 OPINION

Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of Derby Teaching Hospitals

Design:

Matt Cartwright

We’re always on the lookout for interesting people to interview for future issues, so if you’ve got a good story to tell please get in touch – editor@derby.ac.uk

How will Derby respond to the challenges and opportunities of Brexit? Derby’s leaders set out their vision for a prosperous future for our city

8 OUR HONORANDS

28 FEATURE

Claude Littner, businessman and star of The Apprentice, talks about his career, overcoming cancer and what it's like being friends with Lord Sugar

Dame Bobbie Cheema Grubb, the first Asian female to serve as a High Court judge in the UK

12 OVER TO YOU

Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos Mori

Photo: Tim Anderson

Photography:

24 THE GREAT DEBATE

Photo: LaPresse Gianmattia D'Alberto

Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty talks about his rise to the top and the sacrifices he’s made to get there

contents

16 INNOVATE

What impact does advanced technology have on the success of elite athletes?

20 SPOTLIGHT ON…

Working together to end modern slavery

32 FEATURE

From spies to striking workers, we take a look at the colourful history of Derby Silk Mill – arguably the world’s first modern factory

22 MY VIEW

Mark O’Dwyer, Director of Human Resources at the University of Derby, talks about the importance of employee engagement

23 5 MINUTES WITH…

Trevor Harris, Director of Brewing at Derby Brewing Company

36 UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS 38 GRADUATE PROFILE 41 STUDENT SUCCESS 42 LOCAL LINK UP 44 OUT & ABOUT 45 SAVE THE DATE 46 LAST WORD

The University of Derby Magazine

“This year we have seen a 10% increase in the number of students enrolling at Derby, helped no doubt by the news over the summer that we are now a Top 50 UK institution in the Guardian’s University Guide 2017.”

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or many people it feels like the end of the year as Christmas approaches, but the University is still in its first term, welcoming 4,100 new and returning students in September. This year we have seen a 10% increase in the number of students enrolling at Derby, helped no doubt by the news over the summer that we are now a Top 50 UK institution in the Guardian’s University Guide 2017, climbing 25 places since last year.

It’s impossible to talk about this summer without mentioning the Olympics. You would be hard pushed to find someone locally who doesn’t know that two of the athletes to win gold were Uttoxeter-born swimmer Adam Peaty and hockey player Hollie Webb, who grew up in Belper. This month, the University awarded them both with honorary degrees, which they accepted alongside hundreds of students at our graduation ceremonies in Derby and Buxton. Like Adam, who we talk to in this issue of the magazine, these graduates didn’t get to where they are without hard work, perseverance and a determination to be the best they can be. And, like sports coaches, our lecturers were with their students every step of the way – giving inspiration and encouragement on their journey through higher education.

Alongside Adam, the UK’s first Asian female High Court Judge, Derby-born Dame Bobbie Cheema Grubb, was another recipient of an honorary degree from the

University. In this issue, she talks about her specialism in honour crime and we find out how the law’s gain is possibly the space industry’s loss (as a child, she wanted to be an astronaut!).

No issue of this magazine would be complete without a focus on business and this time it’s the turn of Lord Alan Sugar’s right hand man, The Apprentice’s Claude Littner, to talk about his “Jekyll and Hyde” approach to management.

As we look forward to 2017, it’s clear that it’s going to be a crucial year for the University and the city, both of which are full of ambition, growing bigger and better every day. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.

Alice Feedback competition We'd love to hear your thoughts about our magazine, so we can improve future issues.

For a chance to win a luxury Fortnum & Mason hamper* please visit www.derby.ac.uk/magazine and complete our questionnaire.

Deadline for entries: 16 December 2016. *University of Derby staff are not eligible to enter the competition.

Editor’s letter 43

INSPIRE ADAM PEATY OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST

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he pursuit of being the strongest, quickest and greatest is at the heart of the Olympic dream, but at what cost? Jenny McNicholas speaks to University of Derby Honorand Adam Peaty, the first British male swimmer in 28 years to achieve gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Olympic Games, despite his childhood fear of water.

Born in Uttoxeter, the 21-year-old Olympic gold medallist has been nurtured by the City of Derby Swimming Club under the management of Head Coach Mel Marshall. Adam was the first Team GB athlete to win gold at this year’s Rio Olympic Games and holds the world record in the 100m breaststroke at 57.13 seconds, four tenths of a second better than his previous record.

And if that wasn’t enough, he also scooped a silver medal as part of the men’s 4x100m medley relay.

But success doesn’t come easy, and Adam has had to forfeit a lot to be where he is now. “I have had to sacrifice socialising over the years, I couldn’t just go to meet my friends in the pub or have nights out, but at the same time, I didn’t want to either as I knew it would compromise my performance. These sacrifices make it all worthwhile when you stand on the podium, singing the national anthem, draped in the Union Jack.”

And it's not just Adam who's had to make sacrifices: “My friends and family have done a great deal to

Photo credit: LaPresse Gianmattia D'Alberto.

“It's amazing to think that of all the billions of people who've been on the planet, I've swum faster than any of them” support me. My family, in particular, from a young age made sure I was going to training; they sacrificed time and money to help me get to where I am today, but together, as a family, we got the balance right and pulled it off.”

As well as having to make sacrifices, there is also a financial cost to going for gold: “In the years leading up to the Olympics I was fortunate enough to be supported

by UK Sport, but in the early years it was tough without that financial boost as training consumes your life.

You can’t work full-time if you want to become an elite athlete.”

When asked how it felt when he realised he was the first British male swimmer to win gold since Adrian Moorhouse in 1988, Adam said: “I had to pinch myself

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and tell myself it was real. I just couldn’t believe it, it was absolutely amazing. The whole thing has been surreal, but I’m so proud and happy all the hard work has paid off.

“It’s amazing to think that of all the billions of people who’ve been on the planet, I’ve swum faster than any of them. Pushing the boundaries and seeing what’s possible is what motivates me.”

His passion for swimming is a huge contribution to Adam's success but it’s hard work, dedication and support team that has got him to where he is today.

“A lot of sport is a gamble, all you can do is work hard and hope to be the best at it. Deep down I love to graft and train hard, but at the end of the day I wouldn’t be where I am now without my support team. Whether it’s the sports scientists that took my blood or my coach helping me with techniques, I have them to thank for my success.

“Being elite is not like being a normal athlete; you live and breathe sport.

There’s no turning back once you realise you’re an elite athlete. You’re a role model for millions of people, which is a huge privilege. That’s what the Olympics is all about, uniting the world with the best athletes and bringing something back that the country will be proud of.

“People always ask me if there was a point when I knew I could win a medal or set a world record, but that was never the objective. The only goal has always been to be the very best I can be.”

And now Adam’s more focused than ever. He’s already back in the water training for the next Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

In the space of four years Adam has gone from being a British swimmer to an Olympic champion and is now one of the most impressive competitors in the country, in any sport.

Adam received an Honorary Master of the University of Derby in November 2016 in recognition of his achievements in sport.

Who’s been the biggest inspiration in your life?

My coach (Mel Marshall) made me the person I am today. My parents have also been a huge inspiration and have made a massive impact on my life.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Stay true to yourself, no matter who or what changes around you. When you win a gold medal you have some amazing opportunities being thrown at you, but you have to stay true to yourself.

What advice would you give to athletes in Derby hoping to achieve greatness like you have?

Find something you’re passionate about and consistently give it 110% because someone else you’re competing against always is. Life in sport is all about balance. If you’re going out partying every weekend you’re not going to get the results.

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"Being elite is not like being a normal athlete; you live and breathe sport. There’s no turning back once you realise you’re an elite athlete".

The University of Derby Magazine

Opinion Gavin Boyle

Chief Executive of Derby Teaching Hospitals

A

s we know, the NHS currently faces many challenges. Here in Derby, as in other cities, we have to deal with increasing demand during a time of financial constraint.

Building strong partnerships is, therefore, absolutely crucial for our continued success. We’re working with our partners as never before to find solutions and ensure that we have a workforce that is fit for the future.

“The University helps us meet our current workforce challenges and plays an important role in the education of the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

A good example is our partnership with the University of Derby, with whom we share a passion for education.

At Derby Teaching Hospitals, we have a responsibility to teach and enthuse the doctors and healthcare staff who will be looking after our patients for years to come.

The University helps us meet our current workforce challenges and plays an important role in the education of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Our close working relationship allows us to collaborate on the design of new courses to help us prepare students for existing and new roles. Several of these programmes are tailor-made, developed in consultation with our clinical leaders at Derby Teaching Hospitals, including the BSc (Hons) International Nursing Top-up course, specifically designed for nursing applicants from the Philippines.

We’re also working together to educate allied health professionals, scientists, operating department practitioners and therapists.

One exciting development is our joint bid to develop a new role of nursing associate – a great example of the way we are working together to educate the clinical staff of the future.

Partnership working is at the heart of the way we do things at Derby Teaching Hospitals, and our relationship with the University is just one example. We work closely with a wide range of health and social care partners to deliver the best care for our patients, including Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which delivers mental health services and Derbyshire Community Health Services. We have an excellent relationship with our commissioners at NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and GPs working in the area.

We also have a close relationship with other neighbouring hospitals and are developing a particularly close partnership with Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, through which we are able to improve the quality and sustainability of our services.

I’m proud of all of our partnerships in the community and I firmly believe we all need to work together to provide the best care for patients now and in the future.

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OURHONORANDS

Dame Bobbie Cheema Grubb Writer: Kelly Tyler

H

er childhood ambition was to become an astronaut and explore the beauty of space, but for Dame Bobbie Cheema Grubb her sense of adventure sent her rocketing in a very different direction.

With a desire to do “something useful” in life, combined with her flair for public speaking, Dame Bobbie decided to pursue a career in the legal profession.

She was called to the Bar in 1989 and it was during pupillage at 2 Hare Court – a leading barristers chambers in London – where she found a fascination in prosecuting and defending cases of serious fraud, homicide and terrorism.

"My parents taught me to be useful and my ambition has always been to do something useful really well."

Now, 27 years after being called to the Bar, Dame Bobbie has gone on to become the first Asian female to serve as a High Court judge after appearing in a series of high-profile cases, including prosecuting the first man convicted in the UK of directing Islamist organisation Al Qaeda.

“I wanted with all of my heart to be an astronaut,” explains Dame Bobbie. “The law was my second choice but it has turned out to be a good one. My real introduction to law was while doing voluntary work at a law centre in Leeds during my A-levels.

“There, I was given the opportunity to appear as a McKenzie Friend – someone who accompanies people appearing in court to provide support – at hearings of the Industrial Tribunal. I began to get positive results for the unassuming, and often illiterate, claimants – it was hard to look back after that.”

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Born in Derby, Dame Bobbie grew up in Leeds before studying Law at Kings College London.

“I wanted to do work that was a valuable service to society,” she says. “I have always been conscious of the privilege of living in a civilised country with many freedoms which other people around the world are deprived of.

“My parents taught me to be useful and my ambition has always been to do something useful really well.

“When serious offences are alleged, many people are affected by those events and the way the law engages with them. One of my specialisms at the Bar was honour crime; I tried to introduce new strains of evidence from experts and use the hearsay provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to ensure that cases, such as ones with missing bodies or disputed family councils, were prosecuted, whereas at one time they might have been seen as “too difficult”.”

In 2006, Dame Bobbie was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel at the Old Bailey and then Senior Treasury Counsel: the third woman ever to achieve this elite rank.

The University of Derby Magazine

"I have always been conscious of the privilege of living in a civilised country with many freedoms which other people around the world are deprived of."

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In 2013, she was appointed a Queen’s Counsel (QC). She had been authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2010 before being sworn in as a High Court Judge in November 2015.

the breadth of work we are asked to do,” she explains.

“The laws applying to judicial review are very different to those in personal injury cases or criminal trials.

During her career, Dame Bobbie has dealt with thousands of criminal cases but admits her confidence in public speaking “comes and goes”.

“The intellectual challenge of the law, in all its complexity and evolution, means there is rarely a dull day and, most of all, it is important to people that their case is heard impartially and that rational, clear decisions are made.”

“Sometimes, the urge to run away and hide is strong, even when I am well prepared,” she says.

“On the other hand, there are moments in the midst of cut and thrust advocacy when nothing else is as exhilarating. As a judge, however, the virtue of a captive audience is that you can aspire to be brief rather than passionate.”

While she has spent hours poring over decisions in court, Dame Bobbie says her biggest achievement has been outside the courtroom, helping to develop the now well-established processes for protecting vulnerable witnesses and defendants in criminal trials.

“The terrorism trials I took part in also stay in my mind because they invoked challenges to the way the rule of law is applied to actions in furtherance of particular beliefs,” she adds.

“In Manchester, I was part of the prosecuting team in the case against the first man convicted in the UK of directing Al Qaeda. In Derby, I prosecuted the first case of inciting hatred on the basis of sexual orientation and, at the Old Bailey, I led for the Crown against five men charged with trying to launch a terrorist attack on a BNP march.

“In such cases, there are philosophical challenges as much as legal ones and the law stands at the edge between order and disorder, crime and thought-crime (which is not crime at all), national security and rules which interfere with free expression.”

And in order to deal with such challenging cases, Dame Bobbie says resilience and intellectual curiosity are key.

“The job of a High Court judge is fascinating because of

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Her services and achievements in the law and judiciary meant she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Derby in July 2016.

"I was delighted and honoured. At Derby, the widespread background of students is remarkable and I hope my connection with the University will be a long one. I always enjoyed taking pupils at the Bar and I am keen to encourage talented young lawyers and share what I have learned.”

Top tips to budding barristers on how to gain a training contract and become a High Court judge: n Be resilient and cheerful; the legal profession is even more competitive today than it was when I started. n Choose a date by which, if you don’t secure pupillage or a training contract, you will seek a career elsewhere. Don’t be disheartened, the skills that legal study provides are valuable and transferable. n Gain experience as intensely as possible and find an area in which you can become a specialist along with your general practice. Find something you really get excited about.

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Ben Page

W

hen the last issue of the magazine went to print, who could have predicted the turbulent summer ahead: political resignations; a new Prime Minister; and prevailing uncertainty surrounding the impact of Brexit on trade, the economy and international relationships.

The country is way out of its comfort zone. So how did we get here? Susanne Kelliher investigates.

Who better to ask than the head of one of the UK’s leading research companies.

Ben Page is Chief Executive of Ipsos MORI and has been named one of the ‘100 most connected’ people

by GQ Magazine and one of the ‘100 most influential people in the public sector’ by The Guardian. Over the course of a 30-year career, he has directed thousands of surveys examining quality of life, public services, organisational development, customer care, and communications.

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“Our job is all about understanding human behaviour, opinions, and decision making – why we do the things we do,” says Ben. “People are endlessly fascinating and so is our work.

We measure who reads and looks at what for the UK media and broadcast industries. We look at attitudes to everything from nuclear power through to hunting.

We investigate whether government policies work and how we can make products better. We also look at how brands like Google and Shell communicate with you – and whether you believe them! The list is endless.”

So, what's his take on the Brexit result and the subsequent political meltdown?

“The Westminster elite, big business and the media were all shocked that the status quo didn’t hold and that people, ultimately, are more concerned about cutting immigration than protecting the economy.”

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“Society is more diverse than in the past and old class-based identities are decaying.�

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So was the vote really just a measure of people’s mistrust of politicians? “No,” says Ben. “Mistrust of politicians is exactly unchanged since 1983. We have never trusted them! Even in 1944 only 35% of people thought MPs were acting in the interests of the country!

“But we are currently anxious and worried about the future, and divided – politicians have to lead that divided, angry population.”

Society, Ben says, is fracturing and people’s loyalties are changing. “Society is more diverse than in the past and old class-based identities are decaying.

“We can see that there are very different attitudes among different generations. People born before 1945 are far more likely than those born after 1980 to say they always vote for the same party – and their views haven’t changed in 40 years.

“As the older generation dies out, our society is becoming less rooted in a particular political view, but less misogynistic and less racist too. It’s also split over how to react to globalisation – throw up barriers and protect communities, or embrace the multi-lateralist global order.”

While immigration may be topping the list of the nation’s worries, alongside the NHS and EU, interestingly, research shows that only 20% think it’s a problem where they live – while 80% think it’s a problem for the country as a whole (including many immigrants themselves).

What of national identity then? What does research tell us about the things we hold dear as a nation? “We say our best characteristics are our humour, manners and tolerance,” explains Ben. “And, of course, our worst are drinking too much, ignorance of other cultures and intolerance!”

So, should we be optimistic about the UK’s future?

Or are we in for a bumpy ride? “As it’s Britain, we will probably muddle through,” concludes Ben. “We are still the world’s fifth largest economy, and we have been flexible enough to deal with the financial crisis better than much of Europe.

“That doesn’t mean we haven’t got problems with rising intra-generational inequality, pressures on public services, and a large proportion of people not seeing expected rises in standard of living.

“Brexit is going to make these things more difficult in the short term.” www.ipsos-mori.com

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Did you always want to be a researcher?

I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I studied history and simply knew I didn’t want to be a banker, accountant, lawyer or something similar.

But I only thought I would stay at MORI for two to three years. It’s my 30th anniversary next summer.

Was there ever a turning point in your career that led you to your current success?

I was more successful when I mentally accepted I was going to be doing this for the foreseeable future and, at about 30, made the decision to be not just ‘good’ but ‘really good’. I also focused on what I was good at and gave up trying to be great at admin or bureaucracy and got someone else to do those things!

What’s your advice on making sense of the unprecedented amount of data around these days?

Look at the source, and remember Twyman’s Law* – if it’s interesting, it’s usually wrong!

Of all the surveys you’ve been involved in, is there anything that’s really shocked or surprised you?

The first poll we did in Scotland after the 2014 Scottish Referendum that showed the SNP were going to annihilate every other party at the 2015 General Election in Scotland – not what I was expecting, and which, of course, was right!

How would you describe your philosophy of life?

In the long run we are all dead – enjoy the moment, and try and make a positive difference.

What are you most proud of?

My son, my family, having been part of growing Ipsos MORI from 40 people to 1,300.

The best bit about your job?

Highlights have been presenting to the full Cabinet, travelling all over the world to give speeches and working with senior politicians on key public policies.

Any not so great bits?

The worst part is having to fire people who aren’t expecting it.

Any unfulfilled ambitions?

I've never made it to Kyoto – that’s on my bucket list. Oh, and stopping dithering and buying a Jaguar F type, and sorting my house out. *Named after Tony Twyman, a media-research analyst, who said: “If a statistic looks interesting or unusual it is probably wrong.”

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Funded innovation, technology, R&D, business support and capital grants for SMEs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire To find out more, speak to a member of our Business Engagement Team:

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I N N O VAT E

GOING FOR GOLD: CAN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ENHANCE ELITE ATHLETE SUCCESS?

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he 2016 Olympic Games in Rio saw the installation of virtual reality, underwater lap counters and GPS, but to what extent does having the most advanced technology affect elite athletic success?

Kelly Tyler speaks to Team GB cyclist Nikki Brammeier; Dean Jackson, Director of Derby wetsuit manufacturer Huub, and University of Derby Sport Lecturer Tom Outram, to find out.

When Nikki Brammeier took to her bike for the Rio Olympics, she felt focused and fearless.

With her lightweight road bike, aerodynamic wheels and specialist helmet, she was assured her kit was the very best, meaning her time and effort could be dedicated to supporting Britain’s world champion and Boels-Dolmans team-mate, Lizzie Armitstead, in the women’s road race.

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“On the road it’s always about being light, aerodynamic and fast, so the weight of the bike is extremely important,” says Nikki.

“We wear aero helmets and choose wheels depending on the wind and weather and, most of the time, we choose super-tight skinsuits, which all makes a huge difference.

“We’re so lucky at team Boels-Dolmans as we have some of the best equipment partners in the world.”

Her first bike was a purple shopping bike pulled out of a skip by her Dad. Now, Nikki, who is currently training for the Cyclo-cross World Championships in January, rides an Amira racing bike and says having first-class kit is vital in aiding her performance.

“In this day and age, when everyone is trained to the highest level, marginal gains can be the difference between winning and losing,” explains Nikki.

The University of Derby Magazine

“We spend a huge amount of time in the laboratory researching and, because of that, I know the wetsuit we put any triathlete in will make them swim faster.”

Dean Jackson, Director of Derby wetsuit manufacturer Huub

“Equipment choice and apparel are really starting to become quite important.

“Obviously, nothing in life comes for free; you don’t get anywhere without hard work. Training and nutrition are, for sure, more important but the fine details need to be looked after too.”

In a sport where seconds count, every aspect of performance is carefully planned and monitored – and equipment is no different.

“For major competitions, having the right kit is something you have to start thinking about early on,” Nikki says.

“When I sit down at the start of my season and set out my goals, equipment is something which is taken into consideration at the same time.

“We are already riding the world’s best bikes so nothing much changed for the Olympics. We also don’t like to change too much before a big event; keeping everything similar and not getting over excited is a big part of success at a major event.

“The Great Britain Cycling Team put a lot of time, effort and resources into the clothing. We had special skinsuits made which were lightweight, super aero and really thin for the heat regulation.

“Being at the Olympics is the pinnacle of the sport.

Not many people get there so to be a part of that is something I will remember forever.”

Designed by Adidas and Stella McCartney, Team GB’s

2016 Olympic kits were specifically created to optimise performance and were, on average, 10% lighter than in 2012.* And they weren’t the only team to step up the game when it came to technology. Rio saw American decathlete Ashton Eaton don a specialist ‘cooling head’ helmet created by Nike to help speed up the athlete’s recovery during events, while Speedo introduced its upgraded Fastskin LZR Racer swimsuits, designed to reduce drag in the water and increase muscle efficiency.

These advancements were far more than just aesthetics and would have been carefully trialled and tested, says Dean Jackson, Director of Derby wetsuit manufacturer Huub.

His award-winning firm creates specialist triathlon gear, with his suits being the chosen brand of Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, the competitive brothers who scooped gold and silver in the 2016 Olympic men’s triathlon.

“Athletes have a lot of things to think about and when they are dedicating absolutely everything to their sport, they don’t want to be thinking they could be going faster if they had another piece of kit,” says Dean.

“The Brownlee brothers are a classic example of that. We don’t reward them enough to swim in a slow wetsuit. Their mental attitude is that they need the very best. Once they have the very best, they can think about something else that is going to make them quicker.”

Dean, who has 28 years’ experience in the sporting industry, says research and science are the foundations for producing the most efficient kit.

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The company, which has sold close to 100,000 wetsuits, comes up with the designs in Derby which are then shipped overseas to be created using specialist chloroprene.

“The Brownlee brothers have a suit designed by us which has a special red bicep area,” explains Dean. “The bicep release has an improved modulus to enhance an athlete’s ability to create a natural flexed recovery arm and efficient arm flex for the catch.

“The suits also feature an X-O Skeleton, which delivers structure and control to reduce power loss and directional waste by gripping and holding the pelvis and hips. No one had built stiffness into wetsuits before us, everyone said flexibility was key.

Brownlee brothers wearing Huub tri-suits

“We spend a huge amount of time in the laboratory researching and, because of that, I know the wetsuit we put any triathlete in will make them swim faster.”

Tom Outram, Lecturer in Sport, Outdoor and Exercise Science at the University of Derby, says advancements in technology will only continue to increase over the next few years.

“Twenty years ago, athletes were racing in very different apparel and using different equipment but research has advanced massively since then,” he explains.

“Now that there is funding, particularly through the National Lottery, it means a lot more research is being carried out to improve the quality of equipment being used.

“Advances in technology have also significantly improved athlete monitoring. At Derby, we are about to launch a specialist Human Performance Unit – featuring a 3D motion capture system and force platforms – to help analyse athletes’ technique and reduce injury. Finding ways to improve athletic attainment is paramount. If you get the training right, then optimal performance is a lot higher.

“While technology cannot compensate for a lack of physical preparation and talent, it is a vital part of athletic success.” www.huubdesign.com * www.teamgb.com/news/team-gb-kit-launch-rio-2016-designs-revealed

“On the road it’s always about being light, aerodynamic and fast, so the weight of the bike is extremely important.”

Team GB cyclist Nikki Brammeier

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

Let’s face up to modern slavery M ore than 200 years have passed since Parliament voted to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Yet despite this, slavery is a growing problem, writes Jeremy Swan.

There are nearly 21 million victims of forced labour worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Of these victims, 19 million are exploited by private individuals or enterprises and 4.5 million are victims of sexual exploitation. Forced labour generates in excess of $150 billion in illegal profits every year.1 It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of statistics like these, but if we act together we can make a real difference. That was the overriding message from Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at a recent event in Derby.

Speaking at the Action 2030: Ending Modern Slavery Together conference, jointly organised by the Diocese and University of Derby, he commented on some of the

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1 ILO, ‘Facts and Figures’, reproduced at www.ilo.org

challenges of stopping human traffickers:

“It’s a hidden crime. Very often the victims, the slaves themselves, don’t realise they are victims of crime.

The problem is that the authorities where they come from are probably deeply corrupt, often violent, and they will be terrified when they are approached by the authorities. They don’t see a polite enquiry, they see someone who is about to take them into a back room and beat them.

“We’re seeing human beings deprived of their dignity, having the light of humanity snuffed out by the cruelty of the people who are trading them.”

How business can stop slavery Business and community leaders were invited to the conference to show their support and learn how they can help. Representatives were also encouraged to sign up to the Athens Ethical Principles, a United Nations agreement that demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to eradicating modern slavery.

The University of Derby Magazine

Among the Athens signatories were Bowmer & Kirkland, JCB and Pennine Healthcare. Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell, who signed on behalf of the University of Derby, said: “Part of our ambition will be to work through our procurement chain to ensure that our suppliers work to the highest ethical standards. We work to public sector procurement rules and therefore that gives us a little bit of confidence, but we do need to be constantly on guard.”

Getting businesses on board as part of the solution is a vital first step, Justin Welby said: “The UK is leading on combatting modern slavery. The government has been very heavily involved but no one part of society can deal with this.

“This [conference] is very exciting because the business involvement is what will change and undermine the economics for the slave traders. Slavery is not cheap labour. It’s just the profit doesn’t go to the worker. It goes to the slave trader.

“Companies are now realising that their supply chains may be involved in modern slavery.”

Derby and human trafficking Ports such as Liverpool, Bristol and Glasgow are wellknown for their historic connections to the transatlantic slave trade, while Derbyshire’s own links are sometimes overlooked.

Sir Richard Arkwright’s mill at Cromford – which is now a World Heritage site – was used to spin cotton imported from North American slave plantations.

Meanwhile, one of Derbyshire’s most affluent families, the Fitzherbert family of Tissington Hall, owned sugar

plantations in Barbados and Jamaica during the colonial period.

While some sections of society profited from the slave trade, others campaigned against it. William Ward, the editor of the Derby Mercury, began writing abolitionist articles in the late eighteenth century. One striking article from 1 September 1791 reads: “An African slave-ship was lately lost on the middle passage; – the account adds, ‘that the Men were saved but the ship and cargo lost’ – Lest the reader should mistake the nature of this cargo, he is informed, that it consisted of TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY of our fellow creatures – found guilty of having been born on the coast of Guinea, of black parents.”

The following year, a petition against the slave trade was signed by almost half of Derby’s residents, some 3,500 people. Among the supporters were Erasmus Darwin and the Strutt family, who were prominent industrialists at the time.

Today, Derby’s voice continues to speak out against slavery. The Bishop of Derby works as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative on modern slavery and campaigns widely on the issue.

At the University of Derby, the International Policing and Justice Institute contributed to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and now works with the Home Office on its implementation.

Find out more If you are interested in learning how you, or your organisation, can work towards ending modern slavery please visit derby.ac.uk/action2030 or contact the International Policing and Justice Institute at theinstitute@derby.ac.uk.

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Mark O’Dwyer

Director of Human Resources, University of Derby

C

hange is all around us. The government is negotiating a considerable amount of change after the Brexit vote, digital and social media morphs by the second, and economic strains and policy changes are impacting businesses across the UK. As a society, we need to equip ourselves with the skills to adapt to this, particularly our workplaces.

Staff should be at the heart of the change process but how all of us feel and the contribution we individually make is key. We talk lots about staff engagement or staff surveys – we measure it, review it, and plan for improvements – but what we simply want is to maximise the motivation of ourselves and our colleagues to come to work, enjoy our jobs, do our best and deliver great outcomes.

I have worked in many organisations where the pace of change is continuous, the desire for quality outcomes is increasing and where employee engagement and staff wellbeing are more than just an annual staff survey and a free eye test.

It all sounds so simple. If each member of your workforce is happy in their role, feels supported by their line manager, their teams and, ultimately the organisation, and if they trust and have confidence that the leadership team is taking them in the right direction, all will be well and the organisation will continue to be a success.

Staff engagement is crucial – we all strive to be in a workplace where staff are happy to come to work and who light up as they enter the building, not as they’re leaving it. A big challenge to that is the changing agenda within an organisation.

At the University of Derby, for example, we’re seeing the introduction of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which will rate universities using a new gold, silver and bronze system; as well as being mandated by the government to take the lead in raising educational aspirations in Derby. This is a big challenge, but it’s one we need to take on or risk getting left behind.

Managing any change and shift in culture requires careful planning. Take a look at the data you capture in surveys and elsewhere to examine areas where you need to do more work and focus on these. Then look at how you use your communication channels to make sure you get information out in a planned and structured way.

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The bottom line is – if you don’t have a motivated and content workforce in a changing and dynamic environment, you won’t have a successful business because the delivery to your customers and stakeholders will not be pitched in the right way.

Engagement is a partnership – the business has to meet its side of the expectations and demands in the employee-employer relationship, as do the staff.

You can’t control everything that goes on but you can manage your response. And then, as you work through all the challenges that come your way, you will be giving your best, have better outcomes and feel supported and committed to manage the change journey.

We are on the change train together – let’s be in the same carriage and move forward together – that is the winning combination for us all.

The University of Derby Magazine

H

eadlines over the last 10 years have decried ‘the tragic demise of the British pub industry’ but, when it comes to ale, it’s a well-established craft that just isn’t budging.

In Derby - the UK’s real ale capital*- pints cost an average £3.07 and you can choose from more than 200 varieties. Now, there’s a new generation wanting to hop on the bandwagon so we spoke to Trevor Harris, Director of Brewing at Derby Brewing Company, about his brewing dynasty and staying one step ahead.

Tell us about your brewing history?

Many years ago, my wife and I volunteered behind the bar at a tennis club in Burton, then worked in a number of pubs before ditching the salaries and purchasing The Bridge Inn in Herefordshire. We missed Derby too much so sold up after two years managed local pubs in Burton and Derbyshire.

We opened The Brunswick Inn in 1987 and, in June 1991, along with my friend and business partner, John Evans, and Brewing Consultant, Chris Marchbanks, we produced our ‘First Brew’. Derby Brewing Company was founded in 2004 and we now own The Tap, The Greyhound, The Queens Head and The Kedleston Country House Hotel, all located in Derbyshire.

How has the taste of beer and the brewing process developed over the years?

The craft ale revolution has opened many peoples’ eyes and they enjoy trying worldwide craft beers. When many customers today arrive at a pub they will select a drink according to how they feel at that moment. The UK beer market has been influenced by the USA, resulting in many of our brewers using American hops. Beers from the USA generally put the emphasis on hop content, using fruity and citrusy hops, while UK brewers have historically focused more on the balance of malt and hops using

English less fruity hop varieties. Today the beer market has become much more global with both the US and UK brewers taking influence from each other.

How do you stay ahead of the pack?

It is essential to continue to evolve your retail offer and to stand still is to go backwards. We prefer to lead the way and thrive on bringing something new to Derby by putting our own twist on things. We combine our vast brewing expertise with our take on the market to produce some innovative new beers, while adopting a ‘no compromise’ policy and always using the very finest quality ingredients.

Your portfolio is very diverse and you’ve recently opened Kedleston Country House – how do you decide on the next project?

We are not ‘chain’ fans so every one of our outlets is individual. When we look at a project we consider the location and the building before deciding if the retail offering and market place fits. We have just completed our first year in business at the Kedleston Country House and trade is building very well. We are all very excited about the future.

So, what’s next for Derby Brewing Company?

We are very aware of the importance of continuing to develop our existing business, and we are excited to be launching our new Derby Brewing Company Crafted range in early 2017 - watch this space! www.derbybrewing.co.uk If you’d like to be the focus of 5 minutes with… get in touch: editor@derby.ac.uk *Annual Beer Census, Campaign for Real Ale (Camra)

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Writer: Jeremy Swan

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The University of Derby Magazine

“Get the politics out of education and be more robust on the quality levels, that’s the sort of thing big business is asking for.”

Colin Smith CBE (Group President of Rolls-Royce)

I

t’s a Friday afternoon in autumn when we meet at the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering in Derby’s Lonsdale House. We’re taken up a metal staircase to a brick walled room known as the Dragons’ Den, where business and political leaders have gathered to pitch their ideas on how Derby can flourish after Brexit.

The challenges are well known. The value of the pound has plummeted as investors worry about the economic outlook and a leaked Treasury report claims a so-called ‘Hard Brexit’ would cost the country £66 billion a year.

At the table: Chair: • Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby Participants: • Cllr Ranjit Banwait, Leader of Derby City Council • Bob Betts, Chairman of Marketing Derby • Ed Hollands, Managing Director of DrivenMedia and Derby alumnus • Pauline Latham OBE MP, Mid Derbyshire constituency • Colin Smith CBE, Group President of Rolls-Royce

Despite the uncertain outlook, there’s a sense that Derby is ready to roll up its sleeves and grasp the opportunities on offer.

“I think we should be bold and confident,” says Bob. “We are a very passionate city and we’ve got a lot to celebrate. Derby punches above its weight an awful lot.

So let’s be focused, upbeat and on the front foot. Let’s find and win business.”

Ranjit agrees: “The first thing we need to do is tell the world that Britain is open for business. I’m worried that Brexit sends a message that we want to be left alone.

“How did we become Great Britain? We’re an island people and much of our history has involved building ships and travelling the world to create links, see cultures and foster trade.

“It comes back to the need to think globally. That’s what China has done very successfully since the 1950s.

They had a very clear plan and now they are a global superpower.”

“Europe is actually quite small,” adds Pauline.

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Cllr Ranjit Banwait (Leader of Derby City Council)

Ed Hollands (Managing Director of DrivenMedia)

“Let’s look to the rest of the world and the emerging economies. Africa is a good example because most of the countries there are growing at a rate of 8% and that is a fantastic opportunity.”

“So what impact will Brexit have on trade?” asks Kathryn.

“If the UK is not in the single market then it is possible some sectors will be subject to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules with a tariff of possibly up to 10%,” Colin says.

Pauline offers a potential solution: “If we do have a 10% tariff there is a possibility – and I’m not saying that this is what government will do – but they could drop taxes for business if they are exporting.”

“You have to have balance,” says Colin.

“The UK is a remarkably small country in a very big world. We can’t expect the country to compete against itself. In my view, we need to be collaborating together much more.

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“The Midlands cluster is really quite good. We’re only 40 minutes away from Birmingham and only an hour and twenty minutes from London. Let’s face it – in the Midlands we have phenomenal universities and great examples of advanced manufacturing. There’s enough collective mass there.”

“We can’t just be team Derby anymore,” chips in Ed. “We’ve got to be team UK, powered

by Derby, powered by Nottingham, and so on.

We’re better off together than we are apart.”

“We’ve got to be team UK, powered by Derby, powered

by Nottingham, and so on.

We’re better off together than we are apart.”

“Does an increased international focus detract from local initiatives such as the Midlands Engine?” asks Kathryn.

Pauline Latham OBE MP (Conservative MP for Mid Derbyshire)

Theresa May recently highlighted the need for a national industrial strategy, Kathryn notes.

What should this look like?

Bob would like to see more consistency in the long run. “Everything is short term these days.

It depends on who is in power and what budget there is. I think if we’re serious about an industrial strategy then we need to be talking about the next 20 years.”

“I think the truth is there hasn’t been an industrial strategy in this country for so long,” observes Pauline. “I’d focus on education. I don’t think we are educating enough scientists, mathematicians and engineers. We’ve got some incredibly

The University of Derby Magazine

Professor Kathryn Mitchell (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby)

Bob Betts (Chairman of Marketing Derby)

able young people but we desperately need to improve our education system.

We’ve got to have a competitive nature in education because life out there is competitive and children need to get used to it.”

“Get the politics out of education and be more robust on the quality levels,” says Colin. "That's the sort of thing big business is asking for.

Frankly, we’re letting the next generation down by not pushing them hard enough. n Build our “Speaking as an industrialist and a school governor, I also wish people would stop mucking around with all the exams.

Keep it simple and stop constantly changing things.”

makes it hard to act strategically. We’re taking an historic vote in November to change the electoral cycle, so that we can be more long term in our thinking, and I’ll support the change.”

“We’ve talked about education and also the need to adopt a more international outlook,” Kathryn says, “but what does Brexit mean for international students?

Should they be exempt from the migration statistics?”

international links

n Closer regional

collaboration n Improve education and raise aspirations n Concentrate on quality and being world class n Adopt a more long term outlook

“Yes, I think they should be exempt,” says Pauline. “They enrich our country and there’s no reason for them to be included in those statistics because they’re not permanent residents. We can have two categories of migration: temporary and permanent. International students who go home after their degree are more likely to do business with Derby in the future because they know and trust the city.”

“Derby also has its challenges with poverty and deprivation,” Ranjit adds. “There’s a real lack of aspiration among some of our young people. I think we’ve got a lot of work to do at a grassroots level in our communities.”

As we draw the discussion to a close, it’s clear that a consensus is emerging.

“I also agree that we need to think more long term. That’s why we need to change our electoral system in Derby. The City Council has elections every year, which

“We need to accept Brexit has happened, deal with it and move on,” summarises Ed. “That’s what’s going to make us succeed as a country and as a city.”

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Writer: Jenny McNicholas

Photo: Tim Anderson

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The University of Derby Magazine

T

he Apprentice doyen Claude Littner speaks to Jenny McNicholas about starting his first business at the age of eight, coping with being told he had six months to live and how after a seemingly disastrous job interview with Lord Sugar they went on to become lifelong friends.

From his school days, Claude Littner had a natural appetite for business: “I used to go to the local shop, buy gobstoppers in bulk for ha’penny in those days and sell them to my friends for a penny. I would go home with one pocket full of sweaty gobstoppers and the other full of money.”

Claude has worked alongside Lord Sugar since the early 1990s, most recently as his adviser on the popular BBC One show The Apprentice. He was also the Chairman and Chief Executive of Amstrad International and Dancall, and former Chief Executive of both IT services company Viglen and Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur.

Having been at the helm of multiple organisations, Claude describes his managerial style as Jekyll and Hyde: “The Jekyll in me is that I’m very, very fair. I want to work with people and help them

to succeed, so my door is always open in the office and most of my day is spent helping other people to inspire, motivate and guide them. But the other side of my character – the Hyde – comes out if people mislead me, if they really are not serious about work or have a bad effect on the rest of the team. I think I can be quite forceful and have little patience.”

Known for his formidable interviewing style on The Apprentice, Claude has since been appointed as Lord Sugar’s right hand man and adviser.

“The Apprentice is not real life, it’s quite a brutal, tough situation for the candidates. My job isn’t to make life easy for the candidates, it’s to make sure that Lord Sugar gets the best person, because he’s investing £250,000 as a 50% owner in their business. In real life there is no way that you could behave like I do on TV, and it’s certainly not an approach I would recommend.

It’s just a character that has grown over time, and the viewers love it so that’s the persona I have been stuck with.”

Although Claude is now an adviser to the business magnate on and off screen, it hasn’t always been that way.

“My first job interview with Lord Sugar was unusual. He didn’t say a word to me or make eye contact.

“The Apprentice is not real life, it’s quite a brutal, tough situation for the candidates. My job isn’t to make life easy for the candidates, it’s to make sure that Lord Sugar gets the best person.”

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So I started talking about myself and, after a while, he got up and said ‘bored!’ and walked out. He’d actually said, ‘I’ll talk to the board.’ He hired me as Chairman and CEO of Amstrad International that day.

their garage or even dining room, because it’s becoming progressively difficult to find a job, so I think people’s minds are being turned to entrepreneurship and running a business.

“But now that I understand Lord Sugar’s character, it probably wasn’t all that unusual in that he has a particular way of assessing people. What it boils down to is that you have to prove yourself. He gave me the opportunity of a fantastic job and, from my point of view, I just had to make sure I succeeded, worked very hard and made the best that I possibly could of the situation.

“But I do urge graduates to understand that a good idea doesn’t necessarily make for a good business. While there are lots of people who look around at successful entrepreneurs and think ‘well I’d like to be like that’, it doesn’t always translate into success. You’ve got to be realistic about your opportunities and make sure what you’ve actually got to start a business is truly going to materialise into one, opposed to it just being a hobby.

“Good trust builds up and our friendship really developed when I was at Tottenham Hotspur, which at the time was a really tough company to run. Due to the nature of the business, we would go and watch the games with our families, so our children became friends as well as our wives.

“I guess a combination of being an honest, open, hard working individual and also having the opportunity of social interaction led the way to becoming work colleagues and friends.”

Claude’s fearlessness was put to the test in 1997 when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and endured three tough years of chemotherapy.

“I was told I had six months to live. It was very serious and certainly focused my mind on my mortality. I have been cancer-free since 2000.”

Now living in North London, Claude spends some of his time working as a Visiting Professor at the Claude Littner Business School at the University of West London, which was launched in 2014 to share his knowledge and expertise with hopeful entrepreneurs.

As a former student of the Business School, he is a dedicated supporter of the University.

“The landscape for entrepreneurs has changed vastly.

Increasingly, graduates are setting up businesses from

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“In the early days of starting in business you do get knocked back and swept aside so you have to be resilient and you need to have an aptitude for it.

There are some people who might have all kinds of qualifications but that doesn’t necessarily qualify them for a career in business.”

Claude has recently launched a new book titled Single minded: My life in business, which is available to buy through Amazon.

Q: Do you have any regrets in life?

A: I don’t think you can go through life without having regrets. In my school days I regret the fact that I didn’t work hard enough.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: It’s got to be my family. I am very happily married and I have been for many years, I’ve got two wonderful children, three fantastic grandchildren and, generally speaking, we’re a close family. That’s something that’s given me strength, and real pride and pleasure.

Q: What has been the biggest risk you have ever taken?

A: Overall, I’m very risk-averse and I think that I probably could have been far more successful if I had taken more risks. I have not taken risks but I’ve taken opportunities, and I’ve been pleased that I have.

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“The silk manufacturing process and the associated machinery were closely guarded secrets in Italy. So much so, that espionage was punishable by death. It was an extremely hazardous expedition.�

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The University of Derby Magazine

Derby Silk Mill Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution Writer: Jeremy Swan

I

n 1717, a young man named John Lombe left England on a covert mission to the Italian state of Piedmont.

He had been tasked by his older brother, a wealthy man and MP, with learning the secrets of the Italian silk industry, in what may be the first example of industrial espionage.

“The silk manufacturing process and the associated machinery were closely guarded secrets in Italy,” says Daniel Martin, Curator of Making at Derby Museum.

“So much so, that espionage was punishable by death. It was an extremely hazardous expedition.

“When John Lombe arrived in Italy he managed to bribe a priest to find him work in a local silk manufactory, where he worked as a machinery mechanic by day. By night, in collusion with some Italian colleagues, he re-entered the manufactory and drew the machines by candle-light. He would then smuggle the drawings back to England in bales of raw silk.”

What drove him to such lengths? William Hutton, an eighteenth-century historian who worked in Derby Silk Mill as a child, explains:

“The Italians had the exclusive art of silk-throwing; consequently an absolute command of that lucrative traffic. The wear of silks was the taste of the ladies; and the British merchant was obliged to apply to the Italian, with ready money, for the article at an exorbitant price.”1 A manufacturing wonder Eventually, John Lombe’s cover was blown and he was forced to flee back to England. “There are all sorts of variations of the legend,” says Professor Paul Elliott, Reader in Modern History at the University of Derby.

“According to one, he was pursued by the King of Sardinia’s ships, trying to Derby Museums Trust prevent his escape. But he made it back to England and began construction of the Derby Silk Mill.”

“In time, the Silk Mill became celebrated as a model of manufacturing wonder. People started to come to Derby just to see it.”

One such tourist was Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, who visited Derby in the 1720s. He describes the Silk Mill as “a curiosity in trade worth observing, as being the only one of its kind in England”.2

1 W. Hutton, The History of Derby (London, 1817), pp. 158-9.

2 D. Defoe, A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain, PN Furbank, WR Owens and AJ Coulson eds., (Hong Kong, 1991), p. 239.

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It was so successful that other silk manufactories began springing up in the area, says Professor Elliott. “Derby was renowned as a town of streams and rivers, so there were quite a lot of mills. Macclesfield on the other side of the Peak became a silk centre and the silk industry survived in Derby into the twentieth century.

“The other legacy of the Silk Mill is that the design inspired later cotton manufactories in the area, such as Richard Arkwright’s Mill in Cromford in the 1770s. It seems clear that he partly modelled the design on the Derby Silk Mill, particularly the idea of using a large waterwheel to drive a whole series of manufacturing processes.”

Yet despite the success of the Silk Mill, Lombe would not be able to enjoy the benefits for long, as Hutton explains:

“It started at another mill in Derby, but the Silk Mill was chosen as the symbolic focus of the lock out to its significance. The initial strike over the firing of one employee eventually grew to include 2,400 works and brought national attention to the unionist cause for the very first time.

Derby Museums Trust

“But, alas! He had not pursued this lucrative commerce more than three or four years, when the Italians, who felt the effect of the theft from their want of trade, determined his destruction.”

Seeking revenge, the Italians sent a femme fatale to Derby who succeeded in gaining the trust of one of Lombe’s workers. “By these two,” says Hutton, “slow poison was supposed, and perhaps justly, to have been administered to John Lombe, who lingered two or three years in agonies, and departed.”

The Derby Lock Out Not only was the Silk Mill one of the first – and possibly even the first – true examples of modern industry, but it also played an important role in the development of class consciousness in British society.

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“The Derby Lock Out of 1833-4 is considered to be one of the key moments in the development of a working class identity,” says Daniel. “Led by the trades unions, the Derby Lock Out was the first practical national example of the workers seeking to wrestle back a degree of control from the mill owners.

“Unfortunately, after five months of bitter conflict, the trades unionists were forced back to work on the masters’ terms, but this was an important step on the way to what would become the labour movement.”

An enduring legacy “Part of the significance of the Silk Mill is that it is the gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills,” explains Professor Elliott, “which has since been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Not only did the Silk Mill play an important role in Derby’s story, its influence can be felt in the wider world too.”

Daniel agrees, “For me, the Silk Mill is central to Derby’s evolution from a merchant town to becoming what the Derby Corporation would later call the ‘Hub of Industrial Britain’. The Silk Mill may only represent the first step on this evolutionary path, but it is the single key development.”

Coming this Christmas…

A Derby Theatre Production

A new adaptation by Mike Kenny From the book by Lewis Carroll

Tickets: £12 - £28

Sponsored by

Family Tickets available from £48

Fri 2 Dec 2016 – Sat 7 Jan 2017 Box Office 01332 593939 Book Online derbytheatre.co.uk

Derby Theatre is part of

T

he University’s College of Health and Social Care has recently invested in some brand new facilities, among which is equipment that you won’t find in any other university in the country.

The Immersive Suite was opened in August for nursing students to hone their skills before experiencing the realities of placements. This suite is the first of its kind to be installed in a higher education institution outside of London.

The next addition to the Clinical Skills Suite was a Fujifilm Advanced Visionary X-Ray Suite. Opened in September, the new facility cost around £250,000 to purchase and install. Additional material was purchased as part of the upgrade to the teaching materials, such as models that can be used to simulate pathological lesions. The X-Ray Suite is the first to be installed in a university in the UK. Dr Paula Crick, Dean of the College of Health and Social Care at the University, said: “Providing the most realistic and up to date clinical learning environment for our students is extremely important to us and Derby boasts some of the best facilities you will find in any university.”

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The official opening of the Immersive Suite

The University of Derby Magazine

News Round-up • The College of Arts opened its £3m development at Chandos Pole Street, a specialist facility for Fashion and Textiles. The building includes fantastic open studio spaces and CAD equipment.

Chandos Pole Street will link to existing Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites.

Rt Hon Dame Margaret Beckett MP was the keynote speaker at the International Conference on Diplomacy and International Relations

The joint Bombardier-University Railway Challenge team

Lord Neuberger, President of the Supreme Court

• In October, the College of Business held events, including ‘Making the most of Social Media’ and a ladies networking event.

Collaborating with companies around Derby such as Smith Partnership Solicitors, the College of Business has been focused on networking with the city community.

• Derby’s Law School, at One Friar Gate Square, hosted ‘An Evening with The Right Hon Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury’, where both professionals in law and law students were in attendance. The evening adopted a question and answer style which consisted of hot topics such as our current legal system and tips for law students.

• A group of Mechanical Engineering students teamed up with Bombardier at this year’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Railway Challenge. The BombadierUniversity team placed a credible fourth and were given the Judges' Award for astounding first entry and collaboration.

• The College of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences hosted an International Conference on Diplomacy and International Relations. Held at One Friar Gate Square, the day focused on socio-economic and political environments that create social and political discontent, political apathy, the weakening of inter-state relations, and the general sense of fear in society.

• The University welcomed Careers in Sport Live in October.

Academics from the Colleges of Law, Humanities and Social Science, and Life and Natural Sciences, held seminars alongside guest speakers including Dr Steve Ingham, Director of Science and Technological Development at the English Institute of Sport.

• One of the University of Derby Online Learning’s established courses, the BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up) degree, became the first and only ‘top-up’ course to be accredited by the UK’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

It’s not only the RCN who have acknowledged the quality of the course, a satisfaction survey of the last alumni to have graduated gave scores of 96% and upwards for the expertise of lecturers, course content and quality.

• New research from the College of Life and Natural Sciences has found that smartphone addicts are significantly more anxious than nature lovers. The study also revealed that people who are in touch with nature have higher selfesteem, are more conscientious, emotionally stable and open to new experiences.

New research highlights the benefits of connecting with nature

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Graduate Profile Matt Giordano-Bibby

S

ince graduating, Matt Giordano-Bibby has designed for the likes of Superdry, Timberland and Topman.

“Creating artwork by hand is at the heart of what I do,” explains Matt, “I design across trims, branding, prints and patterns for both men’s and women’s clothing.”

Matt graduated back in 2002 with a degree in Fashion Studies and looks back with fondness on his time at University. He says: “I have a huge amount of gratitude towards the Fashion Studies staff and the University as a whole.”

Since leaving education, Matt has worked both full-time and as a freelancer. However he admits that, “the lure of freelancing and managing my time has always been where I am happiest.”

He landed his freelance graphic design contract with Topman straight from University and says it was because of his graduate show that he got the job.

From 2005-2007 Matt worked for Timberland as a Global Graphic Designer and was involved in developing a number of bestselling garments which sold up to 19,000 pieces worldwide.

It was in 2011 that Matt started working with Superdry, creating graphics, trims and patterns with a commercial edge. Matt describes developing his work “with craft and soul” as both challenging and fun.

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“Superdry were the kind of client I lusted after before I was lucky enough to get an introduction.”

Having worked for Superdry for five years, Matt still collaborates with other high street suppliers and companies such as World’s Global Style Network (WGSN).

“My ideas are kept fresh as my skills develop.”

What advice would Matt give to up-and-coming designers?

He believes having the right degree of confidence is important, “enough to get you what you want, yet not too much that it works against you.”

Matt also believes strongly in gut feeling. “Trust your instincts and follow those ideas through.” www.madegoodsupply.com

The University of Derby Magazine

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Graduate Profile Jen Francis Course studied and year graduated: BA (Hons) Tourism Management, 2012 What are you doing now?

I have my own business, Explore Buxton, which I founded in June 2013.

It has become the town’s leading events listings website, attracting 15,000 unique visitors a month and a social media audience of more than 7,000. This would not have been possible without hard work and sheer determination.

I also work as a Freelance Marketing Consultant – with much of the work I do being digital and social media marketing. My background using digital marketing tools coupled with my tourism management expertise means many of my clients are within the leisure industry. I’m passionate about tourism development in every way and so being part of that, working with local businesses, is just fantastic and a dream come true really!

I plan to develop Explore Buxton further in the next 12 months. My brother, Will Francis, played a key part in helping me build the website. He runs his own digital marketing agency in London, which was rather handy when I first put the idea to him.

I am focusing on developing an online store and want to sell high quality Buxton-related merchandise, using local businesses and artists where possible. Calendars, framed photographic prints, postcards and local food produce are a few things I would like to try.

Buxton didn’t have any social media profiles before Explore Buxton and that just seemed crazy, given how beautiful our town is – I thought, ‘we need to showcase Buxton a lot more and shout about our town to the world!’. I was keen to get the name out there first using social media and building that audience, just to test the water and get a feel for content that people liked and wanted to engage with.

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What motivated you?

I grew up in Buxton and moved back in 2008 following redundancy. After being back just a few months I noticed changes to the town. New, modern bars were opening and there was a glimmer of hope that we might see increased level of investment in iconic buildings like The Crescent – a Grade I listed building in the town.

I attended public meetings about The Crescent and became involved in local community groups and I could see if this was going to happen Buxton must have a strong online presence to cater for the increase in visitors to the town when the hotel opens. Once my studies were complete I was able to get down to business and get on with creating my vision.

Over the course of a few months I must have visited every pub and bar, restaurant, café and almost every independent shop in Buxton to ask owners what they thought of my concept and their own ideas. The feedback was overwhelmingly supportive and, armed with the knowledge I had collected from the local businesses, I set about building the website.

Tips for success Don’t give up at the first hurdle – building your own business isn’t easy and it comes with challenges for everyone. Just get a cup of tea, take five minutes away from your computer and think about something else.

Your hurdle will seem a little smaller when you step back into the office.

Keep up the momentum and don’t stop updating your social media channels – a break for two weeks isn’t on.

Get someone to cover if you go away. You’re very soon forgotten in this fast paced world we now live in.

Find out more, visit: explorebuxtonderbyshire.co.uk Or, if you’re on Facebook – stop by and say hello and give us a ‘Like’: facebook.com/explorebuxton

The University of Derby Magazine

STUDENT SUCCESS F

Students win over the Derby dragons

irst year students from Derby Business School – Ashfaq Rahman, Liam Booth and Jordan Watkins – fought off competition from their colleagues to win first prize in a Dragon’s Den style event at QUAD in Derby.

As part of the annual Derby Business School (DBS) Induction Conference, students were given the task to create presentations on attracting people to live in Derby.

In the early stages of the competition, candidates presented to second and third year students. A shortlist from the first round was created and those successful progressed to the final round where groups presented their ideas to a panel of leading business professionals in the city.

“This experience has enabled me to develop my confidence,” commented Ashfaq Rahman, a first year Economics for Business student and member of the winning team. “Derby is a great university for setting us up for the real world.”

Liam Booth, Business Studies student, said “I was quite nervous to begin with, but I felt better towards the end.

It definitely got me out of my comfort zone.”

The event gave new students the chance to meet influential business figures in the first month of their study. The University aims to give its students as much

practical experience within all subjects as there is theory.

Students had the opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs and DBS academics to discuss what employers want from graduates and explore their own career aspirations.

Bev Crighton, Employer Engagement Lead at the University of Derby, said: “It’s amazing to see how the students can really impress the business community.

The standard of presentations and networking ability is brilliant, particularly as they have only been here for a few days when they take part.”

The judging panel in the final consisted of: • Mel Morris – Owner and Chairman of Derby County Football Club and co-founder of King Digital (Candy Crush Saga) • Howard Ebison – Customer Service and Security Director of East Midlands Airport • Bob Betts – Managing Director of Smiths of Derby • Brett Butcher – Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Derby • Claire Tonks – Commercial Contracts Partner at Flint Bishop • Philippa Bowen – Business Ignition Group • Sam Rush – Chief Executive of Derby County Football Club

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Local Link-up The East Midlands is an important part of the country and, as an integral part of the community, the University of Derby is always on the lookout for ways to support it. Here are just some of the ways we’re active in the community.

Chesterfield campus set to transform region’s health care sector

W

e have recently opened a new campus in Chesterfield, which will help to transform the region’s health care sector and boost the town’s growing advanced manufacturing industries.

The campus, which is situated on the site of the former St Helena’s Grammar School for Girls, boasts some of the best teaching facilities for nursing in the UK – including an NHS-standard mock hospital ward.

Alongside this, degrees in engineering, business and IT offered at the new campus will support Chesterfield’s growing advanced manufacturing industry and allow businesses to upskill their workforce and better equip employees for their careers.

The campus also includes a new Innovation Centre which will provide access to facilities and support services for small to medium-sized enterprises and business start-ups in the community, including product development, testing equipment and incubation units.

For more information, please visit: www.derby.ac.uk/chesterfield.

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The University of Derby Magazine

University hosts big book competition to increase reading in the region

Celebrating ten years of success – with another ten years to come

T

B

he University hosted a competition to increase reading among children in Derbyshire with a view to raising aspirations and enhancing their educational prospects.

uxton celebrated ten years of success as a university town this summer – and has promised that the next decade will bring even more exciting developments.

As part of its sponsorship with Derby Book Festival, the University invited more than 300 schools to take part in the competition to produce a big book. Entries were displayed in the city's Market Place as part of Derby Book Festival's Bringing Books to Life event which featured storytelling, street theatre, mural painting and pavement art.

Derby Book Festival aims to bring Derby’s book lovers together and inspire a new generation of readers.

Fiona Shelton, Head of the Department for Professional Studies at the University of Derby, and Liz Fothergill CBE, High Sheriff of Derbyshire and Chair of Derby Book Festival, visited the winning schools, Bishop Lonsdale and St Augustine's in Ashbourne, to award them with a £50 book voucher.

Marketing helps bring new life to disabled children

T

his summer our Marketing and Communications team gave their time to Newlife Foundation as part of their departmental away day.

The team brainstormed fundraising ideas for the charity and de-branded jewellery donated by high street shops so it could be sold in Newlife’s charity stores to raise money.

Newlife is a charity that helps disabled and terminally ill children by raising funds for equipment and medical research. Their nursing staff care for, and support, thousands of families, including one of the University's own Computer Science students, Sam Asbury, who suffered a broken spine in a cycling accident in 2009.

It is the only charity in the UK to have a national emergency equipment service for terminally ill children.

Newlife’s Regional Fundraising and Awareness Manager, David Reeves, who helped to organise the day, is a University of Derby graduate.

Kevin Lowe, National Volunteer Manager at Newlife Foundation, believed staff really ‘embraced’ the event and added: “I thought everyone in the team was fantastic.”

The University’s campus at the Devonshire Dome brings an economic boost worth £32m a year to the area, but now our internationally acclaimed work is poised to take Buxton’s visitor economy to a higher level as a spa and wellness town.

To celebrate the anniversary, the University’s Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire, was one of the guests at the campus, which was commissioned by his ancestor, The Fifth Duke, as a stable in the eighteenth century. He was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of High Peak, Councillors George and Jean Wharmby, Professor Roger Waterhouse, who was Vice-Chancellor when the University bought the building, as well as the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, and former MP Tom Levitt, who was pivotal in the negotiations between the University and the building’s previous owners, the NHS.

Experts gather at bee summit to address decline in species

B

umblebee experts from across the UK gathered this summer at a summit hosted by the University to address the decline in species.

More than 50 people attended the conference, including Gill Perkins, Chief Executive Officer at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Richard Winspear, Senior Agricultural Advisor at RSPB, and John Malpas, Environment Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

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University wins awards

The University of Derby’s News Team won Best Education Communications Campaign in the CIPR Excellence Awards for their Guide to Expertise.

This was followed by two further awards in the Best Education Communications Campaign and Outstanding InHouse Public Relations Team of the Year categories at the CIPR (Midlands) PRide Awards.

Snap shots from the University and beyond…

Mel Morris

The University of Derby Magazine received two Awards of Excellence at the IoIC awards in the Feature-led Print Magazine and Feature Writing categories. It was also 'Highly Commended' at the Midlands Media Awards.

Overseas research partnerships given boost

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell led a delegation to Switzerland to strengthen the University’s research partnerships with Roche, a leading pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Photo: Steve Pope Photography

University leaders join China delegation

The UK delegation to China

CIPR PRide Awards 2016

Strengthening ties with CERN

The University of Derby’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs, Professor Judith Lamie, and Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, visited Shanghai, China as part of a Ministerial Delegation led by Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen research collaborations between the UK and China.

Derby County owner receives honorary award

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Lamie visited China in late October to strengthen academic partnerships

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Among other notable figures from Derby, Mel Morris, owner of Derby County Football Club, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the University’s July 2016 Graduation ceremonies.

The University of Derby Magazine

Save the date CHRISTMAS

REAL ALE

Educating Rita The Winter Wonderland Market Place, Derby

Derby Theatre, Derby, DE1 2NF 17 February – 11 March

Frank has almost given up. Bored of teaching undergraduate English Discover The Market Hall in Derby students, despairing of his ambition as it’s transformed into ‘The Winter to be a poet, he reflects morosely on Wonderland’ complete with Santa’s his life. And then Rita walks in. A 29 grotto, roaming pantomime and more! year old married hairdresser who has decided to take control of her life and www.visitderby.co.uk earn herself an education. With Rita's brash honesty and Frank's deep G4 Live intellect, each inspires the other as Derby Cathedral, Derby, DE1 3GP they both begin to wake up to life in 7 December their own way.

Operatic multi-platinum selling vocal www.derbytheatre.co.uk quartet perform their Christmas by Candlelight show.

MUSIC 2 – 23 December

Derby Winter Beer Festival Roundhouse, Derby, DE24 8JE 15 – 18 February The beer capital of Britain hosts one of CAMRAs flagship gatherings, the National Winter Beer Festival in Derby's historic Roundhouse. www.visitderby.co.uk

COMEDY

www.derbylive.co.uk

THEATRE

Sinfonia Viva Twilight Series Derby Cathedral, Derby, DE1 3GP

Alice in Wonderland Derby Theatre, Derby, DE1 2NF 2 December – 7 January A new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, Alice in Wonderland.

Featuring a host of curious and colourful characters for all the family to enjoy.

Runs until 7 April Grammy nominated orchestra Sinfonia Viva perform classic and contemporary pieces in the magnificent setting of Derby Cathedral. www.visitderby.co.uk

An Evening Shared With Jasper Carrott & Alistair McGowan Derby Theatre, Derby, DE1 2NF 9 – 10 February Comedy legends Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan join forces to split the bill and your sides with a night of comedy stand up and impressions. www.derbytheatre.co.uk

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

45 4

Last Word P

ro ViceChancellor for Student Experience, Professor Malcolm Todd, and Grace Suszek, President of the University of Derby Students’ Union (UDSU), share their thoughts on how the University is working hard to enhance the experience of every student, across all colleges and campuses.

We both started the 2016/17 academic year with a real spring in our step; not only did the University rank third in the ‘most improved’ category (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2016) — climbing nearly 40 places to rank 47th in the overall league table — but many of our courses have been over-subscribed, which is a clear indication that the University is becoming the institution of choice for increasing numbers of prospective undergraduates.

While this is all good news, we are not resting on our laurels. We continually strive to improve the University’s overall student satisfaction ratings year in, year out – and we’re working to encapsulate that commitment in a new Student Charter and Student Experience Framework that will clearly set out what students can expect from their time with us.

We realise that, in an increasingly competitive marketplace, with sophisticated and knowledgeable university applicants, it isn’t enough to just have a dynamic website or glossy brochure. With the advent of tuition fees, students rightly want an all-round

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outstanding experience at university that is tailored to their personal needs and underpinned by worldclass teaching and research.

The quality of our teaching and research is our top priority; our rigorous recruitment process ensures that we get the best people who are passionate about what they do — whether they are senior academics or leading industry experts — so that every student engages with a high-quality education, which is not only seen as good value for money, but also enhances their career prospects.

The University has enjoyed success in many areas of the student experience, with high levels of overall student satisfaction, excellent retention and progress of students, and good honours degree results.

While our students should expect to receive an excellent education, they also demand teaching and research environments that are modern, stylish, well equipped and well maintained. Fast, free Wi-Fi internet connectivity is now a given. But students also want first-class sporting facilities. They want a choice of bars and restaurants that are at least as good as those in city centres. And they want a wide range of societies and clubs that will enhance their experience with us. We aim to deliver on all this and more, so that students have the best opportunities to learn and grow.

It is this totality of the wider student experience that we are both committed to in our new roles.

TOP

University success

96%

of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduating

20

university for teaching quality (Times and Sunday Times University League Table 2017)

(Higher Education Statistics Agency 2016)

£150m invested in facilities in the last 10 years

1

No

for employability in the East Midlands (Higher Education Statistics Agency 2016 – graduating class over 2,000)

Economic impact Employer to over

£559.8m Higher Education students

Our impact on the UK economy

3,200 people

We support 2,100 additional jobs in the region and beyond

Environment

We’re an accredited Fairtrade university and our shops and cafés stock Fairtrade products

We generate our own electricity using wind turbines and solar panels

www.derby.ac.uk