Relocating from their former offices on The Strand, the BIDs are now based within the seven-storey building alongside other businesses, academics and students, helping to strengthen collaboration between the city centre and the University of Derby.
The Cavendish Building has been designed as a flagship example of how universities and industry can work together, giving businesses direct access to training, research and graduate talent.
Gemma Pindard, Deputy Manager for the Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID, said:
“We’re delighted to have moved into The Cavendish Building. Being based here allows us, and our team of four Rangers, to stay within the BID area and continue our important work supporting local businesses. We’re also really looking forward to working closely with students, whose fresh perspectives will bring new energy and ideas to our BID projects.”
Pic credit: University of Derby
From their new base, the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs will be able to use a range of cutting-edge facilities, including:
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A high-tech creativity lab to explore and develop new concepts
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A fully equipped trading floor
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A specialist supply chain lab
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An immersive extended reality suite for virtual learning and experimentation
They will also benefit from access to the on-site library, shared workspaces and opportunities to engage directly with students and academic expertise.
Martin Langsdale MBE, Chair of the Cathedral Quarter BID, said:
“This move to the University of Derby’s new Business School marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the BIDs.
The Cathedral Quarter BID will continue to champion an area that is distinctive, diverse and inspiring, while our team enjoys a modern office environment surrounded by like-minded professionals.”
Helen Wathall, Chair of St Peters Quarter BID, added:
“The St Peters Quarter BID team has been looking forward to this move for some time. Their new office at Derby Business School will create a really positive environment and help to build strong new relationships between the University, the BIDs and the wider business community.”
The Cavendish Building is centred on co-location and co-creation, offering flexible office space for small, medium and large organisations that want to work closely with the University.
Dr Matt Snowden, Associate Provost for Industry Engagement at the University of Derby, said:
“The Cavendish Building is an outstanding facility and will become a key hub for businesses, supporting our ambition to be the ‘University for Industry’.
From the outset, our goal was to create a place where industry, academics and students can come together, share ideas and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society. We’re thrilled to welcome such a diverse mix of innovative businesses into this dynamic new space.”